thousand, by a river. The space occupied by 10,000 families formed a
square of a little more than thirty-two li. We may suppose that this
space was intended by the round number of thirty li in the text. So at
least Kang Khang-kang explained it.

3. These two lines make the piece allusive. See the Introduction, p. 279.]


ODE 4. THE FANG NIEN.


AN ODE OF THANKSGIVING FOR A PLENTIFUL YEAR.

The Preface says the piece was used at sacrifices in autumn and winter.
Ku Hsi calls it an ode of thanksgiving for a good year,--without any
specification of time. He supposes, however, that the thanks were given
to the ancient Shan-nang, 'the father of Agriculture,' Hau-ki, 'the
first Husbandman,' and the spirits presiding over the four quarters of
the heavens. To this the imperial editors rightly demur, saying that the
blessings which the piece speaks of could come only from God.

Abundant is the year with much millet and much rice And we have our high
granaries, With myriads, and hundreds of thousands, and millions (of
measures in them); For spirits and sweet spirits, To present to our
forefathers, male and female, And to supply all our ceremonies. The
blessings sent down on us are of every kind.


ODE 5. THE YU KU.