On dashed my four steeds, without halt, without stay, <br />Though toilsome and winding from Chow was the way. <br />I wished to return--but the monarch's command <br />Forbade that his business be done with slack hand; <br />And my heart was with sadness oppressed. <br /> <br />On dashed my four steeds; I ne'er slackened the reins. <br />They snorted and panted--all white, with black manes. <br />I wished to return, but our sovereign's command <br />Forbade that his business be done with slack hand;-- <br />And I dared not to pause or to rest. <br /> <br />Unresting the Filial doves speed in their flight, <br />Ascending, then sweeping swift down from the height, <br />Now grouped on the oaks. The king's high command <br />Forbade that his business be done with slack hand;-- <br />And my father I left, sore distressed. <br /> <br />Unresting the Filial doves speed in their flight, <br />Now fanning the air and anon they alight <br />On the medlars thick grouped. But our monarch's command <br />Forbade that his business be done with slack hand;-- <br />Of my mother I thought with sad breast. <br /> <br />My four steeds I harnessed, all white and black-maned, <br />Which straight on their way, fleet and emulous strained. <br />I wished to return; and now venture in song <br />The wish to express, and announce how I long <br />For my mother my care to attest.<br /><br />Confucius<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-festal-ode-complimenting-an-officer/
