Mu Gua

The poem "Mu Gua" (Papaya) is a tribute to Duke Huan of Qi. After the state of Wei was defeated by the Di people, its ruler fled to the town of Cao. Duke Huan of Qi dispatched troops to rescue them, helped Wei reestablish its state, and also presented Wei with chariots, horses, vessels, and garments. The people of Wei, grateful for Duke Huan's kindness, wished to repay him generously, and thus composed this poem.

You gave me a papaya; I gave you a jade pendant in return. This is not a simple repayment, but a hope for eternal friendship.

You gave me a peach; I gave you a jade ornament in return. This is not a simple repayment, but a hope for eternal friendship.

You gave me a plum; I gave you a jade gem in return. This is not a simple repayment, but a hope for eternal friendship.

"Mu Gua" consists of three stanzas, each with four lines.

The poems of Wei total ten pieces, thirty-four stanzas, and two hundred and three lines.