Yun Han (The Milky Way)

Preface: “The Milky Way” is a poem by Reng Shu praising King Xuan. King Xuan inherited the tyrannical rule of King Li, but harbored a resolve to restore order after chaos. When calamity struck, he became fearful and cautious. He examined himself, cultivated his virtue, and sought to eliminate the disaster. The people of the realm rejoiced that the king’s governance and edification were being restored, and seeing the king’s concern for the state and its people, they composed this poem.

The vast Milky Way, brilliant and shining, moves across the sky. The king said: “Alas! What offense have the people of today committed? Heaven sends down ruin and famine, one after another. No spirit have I failed to sacrifice to, nor have I grudged the offerings of victims. My jade tablets and discs are all used up—why does Heaven not heed my prayers?”

The drought is already severe; the heat accumulates, steaming and sweltering. The smoke of sacrifices never ceases, from the outskirts to the ancestral temple. I honor the gods above and the spirits below; no deity have I failed to revere. Houji cannot protect us; the Supreme God does not descend. The land is parched and ruined—this calamity falls especially upon me.

The drought is already severe; I cannot escape or avoid it. I am cautious and fearful, as if facing thunder and lightning. Of the remaining people of Zhou, scarcely one is left. The Supreme God in Heaven does not spare us. How can we not stand in awe of each other? The foundation of our ancestors is about to collapse.

The drought is already severe; it cannot be stopped or checked. The blazing sun burns fiercely; they say I have no place to dwell. My time is nearly at an end; I have nothing to look up to or care for. All the high ministers and former worthy officials do not come to my aid. My father and mother, my ancestors—how can you bear to treat me thus?

The drought is already severe; the mountains and rivers are dried up. The drought demon rages, like fire and flame. My heart fears the heat; my sorrow is as if scorched. All the high ministers and former worthy officials refuse to hear my pain. The Supreme God in Heaven—will He cause me to flee away?

The drought is already severe; I struggle on but fear to depart. Why does Heaven send this drought to afflict me? I do not know the reason. I have long prayed for a bountiful harvest; I have not delayed sacrifices to the four directions and the gods of the land. The Supreme God in Heaven does not pity me. I serve the spirits with reverence; I should not have incurred anger or resentment.

The drought is already severe; the people are scattered, and there is no order or discipline. All officials are in distress; the prime minister is worn out with worry. The master of horses, the instructor, the steward of food, and the attendants—none fail to aid the people, yet they cannot stop the disaster. I look up to Heaven—what is to be done?

I look up to Heaven; the stars glitter and shine. The great officers and gentlemen, with all sincerity, pray without reserve. My time is nearly at an end; do not abandon your work. What I seek is not for myself, but to bring peace to the many officials. I look up to Heaven—when will it grant us peace?

“The Milky Way” has eight stanzas, each with ten lines.