The Shijing or Shi Jing ("Book of Songs") may contain the world's oldest rhyming poems. These are my English translations of the magical songs of the Shijing.
I really like this ancient Chinese rhyming poem from The Book of Songs. It is a simple but truly elegant ode wishing a 'princely lady' great happiness. It could easily be sung and probably was.
"Shijing Ode #4: “JIU MU”
ancient Chinese rhyming poem
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
In the South, beneath trees with drooping branches
thick with vines that make them shady,
we find a lovely princely lady:
May she repose in happiness!
In the South, beneath trees with drooping branches
whose clinging vines make hot days shady,
we wish warm embraces for a lovely lady:
May she repose in happiness!
In the South, beneath trees with drooping branches
I really like this ancient Chinese rhyming poem from The Book of Songs. It is a simple but truly elegant ode wishing a 'princely lady' great happiness. It could easily be sung and probably was.
"Shijing Ode #4: “JIU MU”
ancient Chinese rhyming poem
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
In the South, beneath trees with drooping branches
thick with vines that make them shady,
we find a lovely princely lady:
May she repose in happiness!
In the South, beneath trees with drooping branches
whose clinging vines make hot days shady,
we wish warm embraces for a lovely lady:
May she repose in happiness!
In the South, beneath trees with drooping branches
whose vines entwining make them shady,
we wish true love for a lovely lady:
May she repose in happiness!
I'm glad that I was able to find rhymes in English, to keep it song-like.
You've made a good job of it. It sounds and feels like the real thing.
I'm glad you think so, thanks.