THE EMPEROR'S RETURN FROM A JOURNEY TO THE SOUTH
Florence Wheelock Ayscough translation
Like a saint, he comes, The Most Noble. In his lacquered state chariot He awes the hundred living things. He is clouded with the purple smoke of incense, A round umbrella Protects the Son of Heaven. Exquisite is the beauty Of the two-edged swords, Of the chariots, Of the star-embroidered shoes of the attendants. The Sun and Moon fans are borne before him, And he is preceded by sharp spears And the blowing brightness of innumerable flags. The Spring wind proclaims the Emperor's return, Binding the ten thousand districts together In a chorded harmony of Peace and Satisfaction, So that the white-haired old men and the multitudes rejoice, And I wish to add my ode In praise of perfect peace.
Wên Chêng-ming, 16th Century