The sun lingers on early summer,
A great drought reaches the fading autumn.
Fiery might shakes the imperial domain,
Scorching light assaults the divine land.
The air cleanses the morning river, bright,
Light clarifies the floating evening glow.
Grass and trees wither in the forest fields,
Grains and millet languish on the plains.
The state fears the metal-melting calamity,
People deeply worry, empty as a hanging chime.
The emperor treads cautiously on thin ice,
The throne thinks of relieving the ditches.
Hoping solemn altar rites bring order,
Injustice of prisoners in jail is redressed.
The imperial carriage moves to the jade hall,
Offering humble fare, withdrawing fine delicacies.
Relieving distress, state reserves are opened,
Exempting the poor, well taxes are eased.
Leisure steeds are screened like clouds,
Redundant arts, earth dragons are repaired.
Sagely feeling connects the three poles,
Heavenly sincerity penetrates the six depths.
Summer prayers were indeed not yet planned,
How could Shang dynasty prayers compare?
Ants in holes, auspicious signs respond,
Mountain snakes, their poisonous shadows withdraw.
Rising clouds fill the eight horizons,
Flying rain spreads across the four seas.
Gathered mist shrouds the immortal towers,
Continuous drizzle winds around painted pavilions.
Dry slopes still accumulate water,
Parched marshes again have flowing streams.
Late ears, withered, yet form grains,
Cold seedlings, stricken, sprout anew.
All farmers rejoice at the year's abundance,
All under heaven celebrate this peaceful time.
In the wild, harmony like the "Mound" ode,
On roads, clamor of the "Beating the Ground" song.
Fortunate to hear the Way of Eastern Li,
Joyful to accompany the northern field excursion.