“Praying for Rain”
Praying for Rain: King Xuan of Zhou’s Desperate Plea
In the annals of Chinese history, natural disasters often prompted leaders to seek divine intervention, hoping to alleviate the suffering of their people. One such poignant example is a poem attributed to King Xuan of Zhou, detailing his earnest prayers for rain during a severe drought. This poem, a part of the “Great Elegance” (大雅) series, vividly captures the despair and helplessness of a ruler facing the wrath of nature.
The poem opens with a stark image of the Milky Way stretching high and far across the sky, its white light shimmering without a hint of rain-bearing clouds. The king gazes upwards and laments the plight of his people, questioning what sins they might have committed to deserve such suffering. “看那银河多么高远，白光闪亮回旋在天。周王无奈仰天长叹，当今百姓有何罪愆！” (Look at the Milky Way, how high and far it stretches, its white light circling in the sky. The King of Zhou helplessly sighs, what sins have the people committed?). The heavens, it seems, have turned a deaf ear to their plight, unleashing death and chaos instead.
The poem goes on to describe the king’s relentless efforts to appease the gods through various sacrifices, offering all that he has without hesitation. “没有神灵不曾祭奠，奉献牺牲毫不吝悭。礼神圭璧全都用完，神灵还是不听我言！” (No deity was left unappeased, offerings were made without reservation. The ritual jade and stones were all used up, yet the gods still do not listen to my plea!). Despite these exhaustive rituals, the drought persists, with the sun’s scorching heat drying up the land and leaving the people and livestock suffering from thirst.
King Xuan’s desperation is palpable as he describes the worsening drought. “旱情已经非常严重，暑气郁盛大地熏蒸。” (The drought is already very severe, the scorching heat is suffocating the land). The relentless sun continues to blaze, and the fields, once fertile, have now turned into parched, cracked wastelands. The king’s heart is heavy with sorrow as he contemplates the devastating impact on his people.
In a heartfelt appeal to the heavens, the king questions why such calamities have befallen his kingdom despite their sincere worship and sacrifices. “天灾这般为害人间，大难恰恰落在我身。” (Natural disasters wreak havoc on the world, and this great calamity has befallen me). He expresses his frustration at the apparent indifference of the gods, wondering if they have been forgotten or deliberately punished. The poem poignantly captures the king’s sense of powerlessness and the enormity of the crisis he faces.
The king’s reflections also reveal his deep sense of duty and responsibility towards his subjects. He describes the dire state of his people, who are left with almost nothing. “周地余下那些百姓，现在几乎一无所剩。” (The remaining people of Zhou now have almost nothing left). The poem emphasizes the king’s unwavering commitment to seeking relief for his people, despite the overwhelming challenges.
As the drought continues, the king’s anguish grows. He describes the barren mountains, dry rivers, and withered vegetation, painting a bleak picture of a land ravaged by drought. “旱情已经非常严重，山秃河干草木枯槁。” (The drought is already very severe, the mountains are barren, the rivers dry, and the vegetation withered). The once-thriving kingdom now resembles a wasteland, with the drought demon wreaking havoc unchecked.
In his desperation, the king calls upon the spirits of his ancestors and the gods, pleading for their intervention. “父母先祖神灵在天，为何忍心看我受苦！” (The spirits of my ancestors in heaven, why do you bear to see me suffer?). His heartfelt plea underscores the depth of his despair and his hope that divine assistance might still be forthcoming.
The poem also reflects on the king’s self-doubt and introspection. He wonders if there is anything more he could have done, questioning whether his devotion to the gods has been insufficient. “也不是祭神不及，也不是对众神不恭敬，细细思量，确实没有什么罪愆，那又为何降灾加害呢？” (It is not that the sacrifices were insufficient, nor that there was any disrespect towards the gods. Upon careful reflection, there is truly no sin, so why have these disasters been inflicted?). This introspection reveals the king’s inner turmoil and his struggle to find answers in the face of an inexplicable disaster.
As the poem draws to a close, the king’s resolve remains unbroken. Despite the overwhelming odds, he continues to pray and seek relief for his people. “死亡之期已经临近，不弃前功不怕困难。” (The time of death is approaching, but we will not abandon our efforts or fear difficulties). His perseverance and determination to protect his kingdom and ensure its survival are a testament to his leadership and devotion.
In conclusion, this poem vividly captures the anguish and desperation of King Xuan of Zhou as he grapples with a devastating drought. It is a powerful expression of his unwavering commitment to his people and his relentless quest for divine intervention. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human existence in the face of nature’s wrath and the enduring hope for divine mercy. Through its vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poem offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of a ruler struggling to save his kingdom from ruin.