Poetry · LT101

Four-Character Verse

Ancient four-character metric verse of the Western and Eastern Zhou eras.

7works

3dynasties

6authors

Xia

4 works

2070–1600 BCE

  1. Song of Beating the EarthAnonymous (people of high antiquity)Work 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 ShunThe 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)Waiting for the loved one, oh!
  4. Song of the Five SonsAnonymous (the brothers of Taikang of Xia)Our imperial ancestor gave the precept: The people are the root of a country; when the root is firm, the country is tranquil.