Through the Dynasties · LH1

Xia

Flood-taming myths and the earliest legendary songs: the distant dawn of Chinese literary memory

4works

1forms

4authors

Classical Poetry

4 works

Orthodox classical Chinese poetry spanning archaic ballads to Tang regulated verse.

  1. Song of Beating the EarthAnonymous (people of high antiquity) · Four-Character VerseWork at sunrise, rest at sundown. Dig wells for drink, plow fields for food. What has the emperor's power to do with me!
  2. Song of the Southern WindEmperor Shun · Four-Character VerseThe balmy Southern wind soothes the sorrow of my people; the timely Southern breeze enriches their wealth.
  3. Song of Waiting (Hou Ren Ge / Song of Tushan)Lady of Tushan (Attributed) (traditionally attributed) · Four-Character VerseWaiting for the loved one, oh!
  4. Song of the Five SonsAnonymous (the brothers of Taikang of Xia) · Four-Character VerseOur imperial ancestor gave the precept: The people are the root of a country; when the root is firm, the country is tranquil.