With sounds of happiness the deer <br />Browse on the celery of the meads. <br />A nobler feast is furnished here, <br />With guests renowned for noble deeds. <br />The lutes are struck; the organ blows, <br />Till all its tongues in movement heave. <br />Each basket loaded stands, and shows <br />The precious gifts the guests receive. <br />They love me and my mind will teach, <br />How duty's highest aim to reach. <br /> <br />With sounds of happiness the deer <br />The southern-wood crop in the meads, <br />What noble guests surround me here, <br />Distinguished for their worthy deeds! <br />From them my people learn to fly <br />Whate'er is mean; to chiefs they give <br />A model and a pattern high;-- <br />They show the life they ought to live. <br />Then fill their cups with spirits rare, <br />Till each the banquet's joy shall share. <br /> <br />With sounds of happiness the deer <br />The salsola crop in the fields. <br />What noble guests surround me here! <br />Each lute for them its music yields. <br />Sound, sound the lutes, or great or small. <br />The joy harmonious to prolong;-- <br /> <br />And with my spirits rich crown all <br />The cups to cheer the festive throng. <br />Let each retire with gladdened heart, <br />In his own sphere to play his part.<br /><br />Confucius<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-festal-ode/
