Ge Tan (Duckweed Gatherers)

Preface: The poem "Ge Tan" describes the fundamental virtue of the queen consort. While still in her maiden home, she devoted her mind to women's work, labored personally, practiced frugality, wore washed old garments, and respected her teachers and instructresses. Only after this could she, upon marriage, return to her parental home with peace of mind, and thereby transform the world with womanly virtue.

The dolichos spread far, reaching to the valley’s midst, its leaves so lush and dense.

The yellow birds fly about, gathering on the thickets, their cries a cheerful chirp.

The dolichos spread far, reaching to the valley’s midst, its leaves so lush and dense.

So we cut it and boil it, weave it into fine and coarse cloth, to wear it without ever wearying.

I tell my instructress, saying I wish to return to my parents’ home. I will wash my inner garments.

I will wash my outer garments. Which need washing, which need not? I will return to visit my father and mother.

"Ge Tan" has three stanzas, each of six lines.