On the mountains are the thorny elms,
In the low, wet grounds are the white elms.
You have suits of robes,
But you will not wear them;
You have carriages and horses,
But you will not drive them.
You will drop off in death,
And another person will enjoy them.
On the mountains is the k’aou,
In the low wet grounds is the nëw.
You have courtyards and inner rooms,
But you will not have them sprinkled or swept;
You have drums and bells,
But you will not have them beat or struck,
You will drop off in death,
And another person will possess them.
On the mountains are the varnish trees,
In the low wet grounds are the chestnuts.
You have spirits and viands;—
Why not daily play your lute,
Both to give a zest to your joy,
And to prolong the day?
You will drop off in death,
And another person will enter your chamber.
– “Shan yëw ch’oo,” The She King, or, The Book of Poetry (trans. James Legge)