more Confucian Odes

4.

jiu mu

樛木

南有樛木、葛藟纍之。樂只君子、福履綏之。
南有樛木、葛藟荒之。樂只君子、福履將之。
南有樛木、葛藟縈之。樂只君子、福履成之。

4.

do sul, pendem as bagas
e curvos os ramos nas vinhas
toda tua a delicia,
fiada a alegria.

do sul, pendem as bagas
e brotam os ramos nas vinhas
toda tua a delícia,
tecida a alegria.

do sul, pendem as bagas
e gavinhas nos ramos das vinhas
toda tua a delícia,
coberto em tudo, alegria.

eiichi

.

from CHOU AND THE SOUTH

IV

In the South be drooping trees,
long the bough, thick the vine,
Take thy delight,
my prince, in happy ease.

In the South be drooping boughs
the wild vine covers,
that hold delight, delight, good sir,
for eager lovers.

Close as the vine clamps the trees
so complete is happiness,
Good sir, delight, delight, in ease,
In the South be drooping trees.

Erza Pound (from Classical Anthology)