The People’s Plea

The people suffer immensely, hoping for a bit of relief. We cherish the citizens of the capital, seeking to bring stability and peace to the nation without cruelty. Deception and fraud should not be tolerated, and we must be wary of sycophants. We must stop looting and violence to prevent the overthrow of the government. We sincerely support you, our king, and offer strong counsel for your benefit.

The people suffer greatly, longing for some comfort. We care for the citizens of the capital, and pacify the feudal lords to secure the nation. Deception and fraud should not be tolerated, and we must be vigilant against those with ill intentions. We must stop looting and violence, unafraid of the strength of evildoers. People near and far love and protect the nation and our king.

The people suffer greatly, yearning for some respite. We cherish the citizens of the capital, so that the people may come together. Deception and fraud should not be tolerated, and we must be vigilant against wicked schemes. We must stop looting and violence, preventing additional worries for the people. We must continue to strive, not abandoning previous efforts, for the king’s prosperity.

The people suffer immensely, needing a breath of relief. We care for the citizens of the capital, seeking to bring peace to the four corners of the world. Deception and fraud should not be tolerated, and we must be wary of the treacherous. We must stop looting and violence, preventing evil from arising. Our manners and conduct must be prudent, and we should stay close to the virtuous to rectify ourselves.

The people suffer greatly, needing a break. We cherish the citizens of the capital, relieving their worries and sorrows. Deception and fraud should not be tolerated, and we must be vigilant against vile and treacherous acts. We must stop looting and violence to prevent worsening of the state affairs. Despite your youth and inexperience, your impact is significant and exceptional.

The poem “,” often attributed to the Great Odes of the Zhou (“大雅·民劳”), is a classical piece urging the rulers to heed the sufferings of their subjects. According to Zhu Xi’s “Annotations on the Book of Odes,” this poem is seen as an admonition to peers rather than a direct critique of the king. Yan Can’s “Collection of Poetry” also supports this interpretation, noting that the term “small child” in this context refers to officials rather than royalty.

The poem is structured in five chapters, each consisting of ten lines with a standard four-character format, showcasing a precise and strict structure. Upon comparing the chapters, one can notice a consistent pattern in the first line, slight variations in the second line, similarities in most of the third lines except the third chapter, distinct fourth lines, identical fifth lines, and variations in the sixth lines’ last two characters. The seventh lines are all the same, and the eighth and ninth lines differ while the tenth lines mostly start with “以” except for the fourth and fifth chapters. This repetition and variation pattern, though common in the “Airs of the States,” is noteworthy in the “Great Odes,” contributing to the poem’s profound and lingering impact.

The opening of the poem highlights the people’s immense suffering, pleading for a moment of respite. It emphasizes the importance of caring for the capital’s citizens to ensure stability across the nation. The following lines caution against deception and fraud, urging vigilance against unscrupulous individuals. The subsequent chapters reinforce these themes, stressing the need to alleviate the people’s suffering, secure the nation, and remain vigilant against treachery.

The second chapter elaborates on the plight of the people, advocating for the protection and care of the capital’s citizens to maintain peace. The importance of stopping looting and violence is reiterated, along with a call to action against evildoers. This chapter underscores the people’s love and support for their king, urging him to heed their counsel for the nation’s prosperity.

The third chapter expresses the people’s longing for respite, emphasizing the need for unity and relief from suffering. It calls for the prevention of wicked schemes and additional worries for the people. The chapter concludes with a reminder to continue striving for the king’s prosperity, not abandoning previous efforts.

The fourth chapter highlights the people’s need for relief, urging care for the capital’s citizens to bring peace to the world. It stresses the importance of vigilance against treachery and the prevention of evil. The chapter also emphasizes the need for prudent conduct and staying close to the virtuous to rectify oneself.

The final chapter underscores the people’s need for a break, emphasizing the importance of relieving their worries and sorrows. It calls for vigilance against vile and treacherous acts and the prevention of worsening state affairs. The chapter concludes by acknowledging the king’s youth and inexperience but highlighting his significant and exceptional impact.

Overall, “” is a poignant reminder of the ruler’s responsibility to alleviate the people’s suffering, maintain stability, and remain vigilant against treachery. The poem’s repetition and variation pattern, combined with its profound themes, create a compelling and memorable appeal for compassion and justice in governance.