ODE 1. THE NA [1].


APPROPRIATE TO A SACRIFICE TO THANG, THE FOUNDER OF THE SHANG
DYNASTY, DWELLING ESPECIALLY ON THE MUSIC AND THE REVERENCE WITH
WHICH THE SACRIFICE WAS PERFORMED.

We cannot tell by which of the kings of Shang the sacrifice here
referred to was first performed. He is simply spoken of as 'a descendant
of Thang.' The ode seems to have been composed by some one, probably a
member of the royal House, who had taken part in the service.

How admirable! how complete! Here are set our hand-drums and drums. The
drums resound harmonious and loud, To delight our meritorious ancestor [2].

The descendant of Thang invites him with this music, That he may soothe
us with the realization of our thoughts[3]. Deep is the sound of our hand-

[1. The piece is called the Na, because a character so named is an
important part of the first line. So generally the pieces in the Shih
receive their names from a character or phrase occurring in them. This
point will not be again touched on.

2. The 'meritorious ancestor' is Thang. The sacrifices of the Shang
dynasty commenced with music; those of the Kau with libations of
fragrant spirits;--in both cases with the same object, to attract the
spirit, or spirits, sacrificed to, and secure their presence at the
service. Khan Hao (Ming dynasty) says, 'The departed spirits hover
between heaven and earth, and sound goes forth, filling the region of