Wu-pei. So far as evidence goes, we should say, but for this ode, that
the name of Khu was not in use till long after the Shang dynasty. The
name King appears several times in 'the Spring and Autumn' in the annals
of duke Kwang (B.C. 693 to 662), and then it gives place to the name Khu
in the first year of duke Hsi (B.C. 659), and subsequently disappears
itself altogether. In consequence of this some critics make this piece
out to have been composed under the Kau dynasty. The point cannot be
fully cleared up; but on the whole I accept the words of the ode as
sufficient proof against the silence of other documents.]

Boldly he entered its dangerous passes, And brought the multitudes of
King together, Till the country was reduced under complete restraint:
Such was the fitting achievement of the descendant of Thang!

'Ye people,' (he said), 'of King-Khu, Dwell in the southern part of my
kingdom. Formerly, in the time of Thang the Successful, Even from the
Kiang of Ti[1], They dared not but come with their offerings; (Their
chiefs) dared not but come to seek acknowledgment[2]:--Such is the
regular rule of Shang.'

Heaven had given their appointments (to the princes), But where their
capitals, had been assigned within the sphere of the labours of Yue, For
the business of every year they appeared before our king[3], (Saying),
'Do not punish nor reprove us; We have not been remiss in our husbandry.'

When Heaven by its will is inspecting (the kingdom), The lower people
are to be feared. (Our king) showed no partiality (in rewarding), no
excess (in punishing); He dared not to allow himself in indolence:--So
was his appointment (established)