IT has been said on the title of Book iii, that Wei at first was the
eastern portion of the old domain of the kings of Shang. With this a
brother of king Wû, called Khang-shû, was invested. The principality was
afterwards increased by the absorption of Phei and Yung. It came to
embrace portions of the present provinces of Kih-lî, Shan-tung, and
Ho-nan. It outlasted the dynasty of Kâu itself, the last prince of Wei
being reduced to the ranks of the people only during the dynasty of Khin.
ODE 4, STANZAS I AND 2. THE MANG.
AN UNFORTUNATE WOMAN, WHO HAD BEEN SEDUCED INTO AN IMPROPER
CONNEXION, NOW CAST OFF, RELATES AND BEMOANS HER SAD CASE.
An extract is given from the pathetic history here related, because it
shows how divination was used among the common people, and entered
generally into the ordinary affairs of life.
A simple-looking lad you were, Carrying cloth
[1. Thang was the name of a town, evidently not far from Khû.
2. We have seen before how divination was resorted to on occasion of new
undertakings, especially in proceeding to rear a city.]
to exchange it for silk. (But) you came not so to purchase silk;-You
came to make proposals to me. I convoyed you through the Khî [1], As far
as Tun-khiû [2], 'It is not I,' (I said), 'who would protract the time;
But you have had no good go-between. I pray you be not angry, And let
autumn be the time.'
I ascended that ruinous wall, To look towards Fû-kwan [3]; And when I
saw (you) not (coming from) it, My tears flowed in streams. When I did
see (you coming from) Fû-kwan, I laughed and I spoke. You had consulted,
(you said), the tortoiseshell and the divining stalks, And there was
nothing unfavourable in their response [4]. 'Then come,' (I said), 'with
your carriage, And I will remove with my goods.'