Introduction.

This version of the Zhyu-shi-lao song is derived from the same line of tradition as that sung by Yang Zhi, (M141). It follows the same pattern of events, but is only one third of the length, much of the descriptive detail having been omitted, and with it much of the poetic imagery.

The constantly recurring expression "world people" in the songs normally means, not "the human race", but simply, "the Miao people", and there is a tradition, often repeated, that the "world people" spread to fill "the twelve villages" which presumably means twelve major clans.

Translation in verse
Literal Transcription
Notes

You can see the original documents for this song.

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Word97 Introduction
Word97 Translation
Word97 Transcription
Word97 Notes

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