定之方中 诗经

定之方中，作于楚宫。 揆之以日，作于楚室。 树之榛栗，椅桐梓漆，爰伐琴瑟。 升彼虚矣，以望楚矣。 望楚与堂，景山与京。 降观于桑。卜云其吉，终焉允臧。 灵雨既零，命彼倌人。 星言夙驾，说于桑田。 匪直也人，秉心塞渊。騋牝三千。

Middle of the year (literal translation)

In the middle of the year, the work was done in the Chu palace. Measured by the sun, the work was done in the Chu chambers. Hazel and chestnut trees were planted, along with catalpa, paulownia, and lacquer trees; from these, lutes and harps were made. I ascended to that high place, to gaze upon Chu. I gazed upon Chu and its halls, upon Jing Mountain and the capital. I descended to observe the mulberry trees; the divination said it was auspicious, and indeed it proved to be good. When the auspicious rain had fallen, I summoned the attendants. Early in the morning, they harnessed the horses and went to the mulberry fields. They were not ordinary men, but men of profound and upright hearts, possessing three thousand mares.