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06. Cry of the Ospreys
- Standard tuning: 5 6 1 2 3 5 6 played as 1 2 4 5 6 1 2
See the illustration and the Guan Ju in Zheyin Shizi Qinpu (ca. 1491) 		關雎曲
Guan Ju Qu 1

The lyrics are the first five poems of the Shi Jing (Book of Songs). The melody is related to most of those published under the title Guan Ju in 58 other surviving handbooks published between 1491 (Zheyin Shizi Qinpu, which has completely different lyrics,) and 1894. Most have no lyrics.

The lyrics here begin by announcing the first title of the first section of the Shi Jing melody. The first five poems are then presented in order (without titles), then repeated once to different music. The original tablature is continuous, the poems being separated only by a circle, usually written in the tablature column.

The original preface (see below) mentions Zhou Nan (Southern Zhou) and Shao Nan (Southern Shao). Zhou Nan is the first section of the Shi Jing (poems 1 to 11); these are supposedly poems collected in southern Zhou regions. Shao Nan is the second section, poems 22-25; these are poems supposedly collected in the southern Shao region, centered on the city Shao, ruled by Wu Wang's half brother the Duke of Shao.

 
Original preface (Translation not completed)

According to (history), the poem Cry of the Ospreys concerns the virtue of the Royal Consort (of Wen Wang). Confucius said that this poem was joyful but not licentious and sad but not aggrieved, using correctness in expressing emotions and harmony in the spirit of its sound. He also said, "If people don't live as in Zhou Nan and Shao Nan, is this not a case of standing as if facing a wall (i.e., they can't see anything)?" Observing the words of this song, (besides Cry of the Ospreys) it completely records (#2 Cloth Plant), (#3) Cockleburs, (#4) Trees with Drooping Branches, (and #5) Locusts. It presents them as songs with strings. How could it be only for qin and se zithers with bells and drums?

 
 Music and Lyrics: Ten sections2 (marked off by circles)
A largely syllabic setting of the lyrics of the first five poems of the Shi Jing. The structure is affected by repeats as well as ornaments.

National Airs #1, Zhou South 1 #1 (This title is set to music)

(1. Shi Jing Poem #1: Cry of the Ospreys [4+4] x 10 )

"Guan, guan," trill the ospreys,
          upon the island in the creek.
Modest is the gentle beauty,
          fine for the gentleman to seek.
Uneven are the floating water plants,
          they flow by left and right.
Modest is the gentle beauty,
          he seeks her day and night.
He seeks but cannot get her,
          he thinks of her day and night.
Sad and anxious thoughts,
          twisting and turning in his plight.
Uneven are the floating water plants,
          they can be picked left and right.
Modest is the gentle beauty,
          qin and se zithers3 warm her heart.
Uneven are the floating water plants,
          they can be gathered left and right.
Modest is the gentle beauty,
          with bells and drums we bring her delight."

(2. Shi Jing Poem Poem #2: Cloth Plant [4+4] x 9)

"The cloth-plant's spread
          extends to the middle of the valley.
The leaves are luxuriant
          the oriole is in its flight.
It perches on the densely foliated trees,
          its song is sweet.
The cloth-plant's spread
          extends to the middle of the valley.
The leaves are extensive
          these I cut and steam;
making fine linen and making course linen,
          for clothing that I don't get tired of.
I'll speak to my nurse-tutor,
          tell her I'm going home.
I'll wash my private garments,
          (and) wash my outer clothing.
Which are washed and which are not?
          I am returning to comfort my parents.

(3. Shi Jing Poem Poem #3: Cockleburs [4+4] x 2, then [4+4+6+5] x 2, then [4+4] x 2)

Variegated are the cockle-burs
          but I could not fill a shallow bucket. (4+4)
Lamenting for my beloved,
          I lay them on the road to Zhou. (4+4)

I am climbing those rocky peaks,
          my horse is worn out. (4+4)
I thereupon pour liquor into this golden cup,
          so that I won't be heartsick. (6+5)
I am climbing that high cliff,
          my horse is sick and worn out. (4+4)
I pour liquor into this (rhino-) horn cup,
          so that I won't be heartsick. (6+5)

I am climbing that rocky hill,
          my horse becomes disabled. (4+4)
My groom becomes sick.
          I cry, Alas! How wretched! (4+4)

(4. Shi Jing Poem Poem #4: Trees with Drooping Branches [4+4] x 6)

The south has trees with drooping branches,
          cloth-creeper brambles bind them.
Pleasure to our lord!
          Fortunate actions soothe him.
The south has trees with drooping branches,
          cloth-creeper brambles cover them.
Pleasure to our lord!
          Fortunate actions protect him.
The south has trees with drooping brances,
          cloth-creeper brambles entwine them.
Pleasure to our lord!
          Fortunate actions fulfil him.

(5. Shi Jing Poem Poem #5: Locusts [3+3+4+3] x 3)

Locust wings           are humming,
May your descendants           be numerous.

Locust wings           are whirring.
May your descendents           form an endless line.

Locust wings           are buzzing.
May your descendents           remain together.

(6. Repeats lyrics of #1)

(7. Repeats lyrics of #2)

(8. Repeats lyrics of #3)

(9. Repeats lyrics of #4)

(10. Repeats lyrics of #5)

 
Footnotes (Shorthand references are explained on a separate page)

1. 42402.191 Guan Ju does not mention a qin melody (Return)

2. The original characters are published in many editions. (Return)

3. Although the 25-string se zither is no longer played, qin and se together remain today a symbol of marital harmony. Thus my wedding announcement included the calligraphy Qin Se He Ming (Qin and se resound together). (Return)