Men of Qing

Preface to "Qing Ren": The poem "Qing Ren" is a satire on Duke Wen of Zheng. Gao Ke sought personal gain without regard for his lord. Duke Wen of Zheng detested him and wished to drive him away, but could not do so. Therefore, he sent Gao Ke to lead troops to the border to repel the Di people, arraying the army along the Yellow River, allowing the soldiers to idle and roam. After a long time, he did not recall them, and the soldiers scattered and fled back, while Gao Ke had to escape to the state of Chen. Prince Su detested Gao Ke, believing that his advancement was not treated with proper ritual by the lord, and that Duke Wen's dismissal of him lacked just cause. This was the root cause of endangering the state and losing the army, and so he composed this poem.

The troops of Qing garrisoned at Peng,

The four armored horses were strong and mighty,

Two spears adorned with layers of red tassels,

Idly roaming along the Yellow River.

The troops of Qing garrisoned at Xiao,

The four armored horses were fierce and robust,

Two spears adorned with layers of feathers,

At ease and free along the Yellow River.

The troops of Qing garrisoned at Zhou,

The four armored horses were calm and unhurried,

Left hand twirling the chariot banner, right hand drawing the sword,

Making various postures within the army.

"Qing Ren" has three stanzas, each stanza with four lines.