and mutton. The vessels which he uses are slightly carved, (to resemble) the bursting forth (of nature).
6. In this month, they keep both the young buds and those more advanced from being disturbed; they nourish both the young animals and those not fully grown; they especially watch over all orphans.
7. The fortunate day is chosen, and orders are given to the people to sacrifice at their altars to the spirits of the grounds[1].
8. Orders are given to the (proper) officers to examine the prisons; to remove fetters and handcuffs; that there shall be no unregulated infliction of the bastinado; and that efforts shall be made to stop criminal actions and litigations.
9. In this month the swallow makes its appearance[2]. On the day of its arrival, the son of Heaven sacrifices to the first match-maker with a bull, a ram, and a boar. He goes to do so in person, with his queen and help-mates, attended by his nine ladies of honour. Peculiar courtesy is shown to those whom he has (lately) approached. Bow-cases have been brought, and a bow and arrows are given to each before (the altar of) the first match-maker.
10. In this month day and night are equal[3].
Thunder utters its voice, and the lightning begins
- ↑ The sacrifice here was not that to Earth, which it was competent to the king alone to offer; nor to the spirits of the territories of the different states. It was offered by the people generally to the spirits presiding over their fields.
- ↑ The swallow is "the dark-coloured bird," of the third sacrificial ode of the Shang dynasty; see vol. iii, p. 307.
- ↑ The vernal equinox.
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