Title page from The Shi King, the Old “Poetry Classic” of the Chinese

The Shi King, the Old “Poetry Classic” of the Chinese

The Shih Ching (The book of poetry) predates Confucius by some three centuries, although he is often credited with arranging it into its current form sometime around 520 B.C. This work is a compilation of some three hundred verses of poetry illustrating the proper conduct of a sovereign and general rules “for inculcation of propriety and righteousness.”

Key Quotes

Literature & Music

Yellow birds, yellow birds! Do not crowd the tree-tops; Come not pecking our crops.— From the folk of this land We unwelcoming win; Up, let us return To our country and kin.