還 Agile
子之還兮，遭我乎狃之間兮。並驅從兩肩兮，揖我謂我儇兮。
子之茂兮，遭我乎狃之道兮。並驅從兩牡兮，揖我謂我好兮。
子之昌兮，遭我乎狃之陽兮。並驅從兩狼兮，揖我謂我臧兮。
You are so agile,
We meet between the hills of Nao,
Side by side, we chase after two boars,
You bow in admiration of my skill.
You are so nimble,
We meet on the road to Nao,
Side by side, we chase after two stags,
You bow in praise of my ability.
You are so resourceful,
We meet on the southern slopes of Nao,
Side by side, we chase after two wolves,
You bow in awe of my dexterity.
Poetry Interpretation
This boisterous hunting song depicts two hunters traversing the hills and roads of Nao (located near the industrial city of Zibo in today’s Shandong province) in pursuit of various prey. The image of the hunters riding side by side engaging in an exhilarating chase creates a feeling of camaraderie and adventure. A subtle note of satire also arises, as the narrator's ostensible praise of his companion appears self-aggrandizing with the companion seemingly in awe of his prowess.
這是一首關於友誼與冒險的歌曲，讚頌兩位獵人在驚險追逐中的靈巧身手，同時凸顯狩獵在古代中國文化中的深遠意義。
Written by Dr. Annie Luman Ren