{
  "description": "h6.“White Colt”, illustrated by Ma Hezhi\nMade in the mid-12th century\nHandscroll; ink and color on silk\n\nThis scroll commissioned by the Emperor Gaozong of Song renders the poem \"White Colt\" from the [i]Classic of Poetry[/i] (Shijing), traditionally believed to have been compiled by Confucius, in calligraphy by a court scribe and an illustrative painting by Ma Hezhi. An explanatory note known as the [i]Mao Commentary[/i] precedes the poem.\n\n[quote]“White Colt”, a minister’s critique of King Xuan.\n\nUnsullied the white colt\nEating the young shoots of my stackyard.\nKeep it tethered, keep it tied\nAll day long.\nThe man whom I love\nHere makes holiday.\n\nUnsullied the white colt\nEating the bean leaves of my stackyard.\nKeep it tethered, keep it tied\nAll night long.\nThe man whom I love\nIs here, a lucky guest.\n\nUnsullied the white colt\nThat came so swiftly.\nLike a duke, like a lord\nLet your revels have no end.\nProlong your idle play,\nProtract your leisure.\n\nUnsullied the white colt\nIn that deserted valley,\nWith a bundle of fresh fodder.\n'Though you, its master, are fair as jade\nDo not let the news off you be rare as gold or jade,\nKeeping your thoughts far away.’\n\nWhite Colt[/quote]"
}