Here is an excerpt from Canto 54, which deals with the rise of the T'ang dynasty (618-907 AD). If we want to discuss Pound's verses, why not start here? This passage is one which touches upon many issues which interested Pound, namely the transition from one government to another, war and peace, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, the role of women, and several other issues. I would invite others to comment on this passage, on other parts of the China Cantos, or on other topics which might be of interest to them. KONG sank in abuleia. TANG rising. And the first TANG was KAO TSEU, the starter. And that year died Li-Chi that had come to his rescue with a troop of 10,000. The war drums beat at her funeral And here husband drove back the tartars, Tou-kou-houen. Fou stood against foe, damn bhuddists When TAI TSONG came to be emperor he turned out 3000 fancies. Built thus for two hundred years TANG And there were ten thousand students. Fou-Y saying they use muzzy language the more to mislead folk. Kung is to China as water is to fishes. War, letters, to each a time. Provinces by mountain and rivers divided. ' A true prince wants his news straight ' TAI TSONG was no friend to taozers hochangs and foés. Was observer of seasons, saying Take not men from the plough Let judges fast for three days before passing capital sentences . . . (54/285) ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com