To observe water was Confucius' aspiration;
To sing of wind was the Han founder's verse.
The roc soars ninety thousand miles;
The cedar lives eight thousand years.
Laozi could discourse on the Way;
Emperor Yao also modeled Heaven.
The tribute hound warns self-restraint;
The Wei gourd cannot bear great weight.
Melons in the west are huge as bushels;
Chestnuts on east hills big as fists.
Zhou's mugwort trimmed to make a pillar;
Shun's bamboo cut to form a boat.
The Lu Analects mock hoarding tortoises;
The Bin Odes praise offering boars.
Thunder's rumble likened to the sage;
Human footprints mistaken for immortals'.
Precious teachings passed down a hundredfold;
True vehicle's realms expounded a thousand.
The bow, they say, was stolen by Yang Hu;
The tripod moved from Gao's city walls.
Feng Yi leaned on the tall tree;
Liu Gong accepted but one coin.
Small fish should not disturb the state;
Abundant crops best suit the fields.
Bones so large they fill a cart;
Pearls sought just an inch in girth.
Goiter hanging startles like huge jars;
Hail falling frightens cups and trays.
Boats sail silver mountain waves;
Lutes play urgent rain-like strings.
In fearful times, the heart grows slack;
Lying down, the belly swells round.
He left three famed offices behind;
Guarding five frontiers as his post.
At ease, he hides within court and market;
With a gesture, he secures mountains and rivers.
He knows both ancient and modern forms;
And grasps Heaven and Earth in full.
The jade tablet urges audience;
The grand hall shows favor to worthies.
The golden seal hangs like the Dipper;
The divine brush moves like a beam.
Peace and honor may long endure;
Confucian deeds shine in blue volumes.