Praises for a Virtuous Minister
The heavens bestowed upon humanity a form and a set of principles,
Inherent to human nature is the pursuit of goodness and beauty.
The heavens watched over the Zhou Dynasty,
Its illuminated virtue extended downwards.
May the Zhou Emperor be blessed,
With the assistance of Zhong Shanfu.
Zhong Shanfu is wise and virtuous,
Gentle, kind, and principled.
His demeanor is dignified, and his countenance pleasant,
He performs his duties with meticulous care and genuine responsibility.
He adheres to ancient teachings, never straying from norms,
Diligently working in accordance with etiquette.
The Emperor chose him as a minister,
To enforce royal edicts and manage governance.
The Zhou Emperor commanded Zhong Shanfu
To be a model for all the feudal lords.
To uphold the ancestral legacy and assist the Emperor in reforming the court,
Zhong Shanfu must manage the issuance of commands with responsibility.
Issuing decrees and directives beyond the borders,
He ensures that all regions comply and follow through.
With a serious approach to the Emperor’s commands,
Zhong Shanfu dedicates himself to their implementation.
Whether in matters of state, good or bad,
Zhong Shanfu understands clearly and wisely.
He is both insightful and shrewd,
Skilled in managing and preserving himself.
He works tirelessly from dawn to dusk,
Serving the Zhou Emperor with unwavering loyalty.
An old saying goes: “Soft things are ingested, while hard things are expelled.”
Zhong Shanfu, unique among others,
Does not consume soft things but swallows the hard.
He does not exploit widows and orphans but tackles the strong and harsh.
Another old saying states: “Virtue is like feathers, light and seldom upheld.”
Upon deep reflection,
Only Zhong Shanfu seems capable of upholding it,
As others find it difficult to assist him.
The Emperor’s dragon robe has a flaw,
Only Zhong Shanfu can mend it.
As Zhong Shanfu embarks to offer sacrifices to the road gods,
Four strong horses pull his carriage with urgency.
The carriage carries envoys hastily,
Frequently reminded of the incomplete royal commands.
The four horses’ hooves pound loudly,
The eight phoenix bells ring crisply.
The Zhou Emperor’s decree to Zhong Shanfu
Is to oversee the repair of Qi city and head to the eastern border.
With four horses galloping tirelessly,
And eight phoenix bells ringing continuously.
Zhong Shanfu hurries to Qi,
To complete the task and return to the court as soon as possible.
Ji Fu composed a song for Mu Zhong,
The melody is as gentle as a clear breeze.
Zhong Shanfu departs with many concerns,
But is comforted by the song, motivating him to achieve success.
This poem stands as a tribute to Zhong Shanfu, a distinguished minister of the Zhou Dynasty, highlighting his virtues, capabilities, and contributions to the state. The poem’s opening reflects on human nature and the divine principles bestowed upon humanity, setting a philosophical tone for the praise that follows.
The first stanza introduces the central figure, Zhong Shanfu, emphasizing his exceptional virtues and alignment with the divine principles. It underscores his moral integrity and competence, which make him a fitting assistant to the Zhou Emperor. The subsequent stanzas delve into his dedication to duty, adherence to ancient customs, and his role as a model for others.
The poem vividly describes Zhong Shanfu’s diligent work ethic and his commitment to the Emperor’s decrees. His responsibilities include not only managing state affairs but also serving as a role model for feudal lords and ensuring that all regions comply with the Emperor’s commands. His unwavering dedication is highlighted, demonstrating his clear understanding of state matters and his loyalty to the Emperor.
The poem also includes traditional sayings to underscore Zhong Shanfu’s character. These sayings contrast his approach with others, emphasizing his ability to handle difficult situations and his commitment to upholding virtue in challenging circumstances. His unique ability to address and solve problems is celebrated, and his role in maintaining the Emperor’s robes is used as a metaphor for his crucial role in the state.
As Zhong Shanfu embarks on a mission to repair Qi city and head to the eastern border, the poem describes his journey with vivid imagery. The energetic and urgent pace of his departure is depicted through the powerful sound of the horses’ hooves and the ringing of phoenix bells. This imagery serves to illustrate the importance and urgency of his mission, as well as his dedication to fulfilling the Emperor’s commands.
The poem concludes with Ji Fu’s farewell song, which serves to comfort Zhong Shanfu and inspire him to achieve success in his endeavors. The song’s gentle melody symbolizes the support and encouragement from those he leaves behind, reinforcing the poem’s theme of loyalty and dedication.
Overall, the poem blends philosophical reflection, vivid imagery, and traditional sayings to create a comprehensive and moving tribute to Zhong Shanfu. It not only praises his virtues and accomplishments but also provides insight into the challenges and expectations faced by ministers in the Zhou Dynasty.