The Sun

O Sun that rose in the eastern corner of Earth,

Looking as though you came from under the ground,

When you crossed the sky and entered the deep sea,

Where did you stable your six dragon-steeds?

Now and of old your journeys have never ceased:

Strong were that man’s limbs

Who could run beside you on your travels to and fro.

The grass does not refuse

To flourish in the spring wind;

The leaves are not angry

At falling through the autumn sky.

Who with whip or spur

Can urge the feet of Time?

The things of the world flourish and decay,

Each at its own hour.

Hsi-ho, Hsi-ho,

Is it true that once you loitered in the West

While Lu Yang raised his spear, to hold

The progress of your light;

Then plunged and sank in the turmoil of the sea?

Rebels against Heaven, slanderers of Fate;

Many defy the Way.

But I will put | the Whole Lump | of Life in my bag,

And merge my being in the Primal Element.

Charioteer of the Sun.

Who, like Joshua, stopped the sun during a battle. See Huai-nan

Tzŭ, chap. vi.