Han Yi (Han's Grandeur)

Preface to "Han Yi": "Han Yi" is a poem by Yin Jifu praising King Xuan of Zhou, commending him for being able to confer commands upon the feudal lords.

Lofty and towering is Mount Liang, a place once regulated by Great Yu. There are broad and level highways; the Marquis of Han received the king's command. The King of Zhou personally commanded him: "Carry on the achievements of your ancestors; do not abandon my commands, and be diligent morning and night without slackening. Reverently hold fast to your office; my commands will not be lightly altered. Rectify those regions that do not submit, so as to assist your sovereign."

Four stallions, tall and strong, both tall and robust. The Marquis of Han entered court for an audience, holding the great jade scepter. He entered court to see the King of Zhou, and the King of Zhou bestowed upon the Marquis of Han: beautiful dragon banners and chariot ornaments, bamboo mat canopies and interwoven crossbars. A black dragon robe and red shoes, a breastpiece for the horse and a gilded browband. Leather flank-pieces and light tiger-skin coverings, bridles and golden yoke ends.

The Marquis of Han set out to sacrifice to the road god, stopping overnight in Tu. Xian Fu hosted a farewell feast for him, with clear wine in a hundred jars. What were the dishes? They were stewed turtle and fresh fish. What were the vegetables? They were bamboo shoots and rushes. What were the gifts? They were four horses and a great chariot. The food vessels, round and square, were arranged in orderly rows; all the feudal lords came to feast joyfully.

The Marquis of Han took a wife, the niece of the Marquis of Fen, the daughter of Jue Fu. The Marquis of Han went to welcome her, arriving in Jue Fu's hometown. A hundred chariots rolled forth in splendor, eight bells jingled in harmony—how grand and glorious! All the accompanying younger sisters followed her, numerous as clouds. The Marquis of Han turned and looked back; a radiant glow filled the gateway.

Jue Fu was exceedingly brave; there was no state he had not visited. He sought a husband for Han Ji, and felt that no place was more peaceful than Han. The land of Han was very peaceful; its rivers and marshes were broad and vast, bream and carp were abundant and fat, hinds and stags gathered in herds. There were bears and brown bears, there were wildcats and tigers. Fortunate was this fine dwelling; Han Ji was content and harmonious.

That broad walled city of Han was built by the people of Yan. Because the ancestors had received a command, they governed all the Man tribes. The King of Zhou bestowed upon the Marquis of Han: those Zhui tribes and Mo tribes. He received entirely the northern states, and thus became the chief of the regional lords. He built walls, dug moats, regulated the fields, and set the taxes. He presented the skins of the pi, as well as red leopards and yellow bears.

"Han Yi" has six stanzas, each stanza of twelve lines.