An ode referred to the time of Wăn Wang (a contemporary of Saul) contains a sentiment reminding us of Morris’ lines beginning “Woodman, spare that tree.” It is in Part I., Book II., and is called Kan-tang, or the ‘Sweet pear-tree.’
1. O fell not that sweet pear-tree!
See how its branches spread.
Spoil not its shade,
For Shao’s chief laid
Beneath it his weary head.
2. O clip not that sweet pear-tree!
Each twig and leaflet spare—
’Tis sacred now,
Since the lord of Shao,