WHEN A SON IS BORN.

" when a son is born,
He is cradled in the bed,
He is clothed in robes,
Given a jade sceptre as a toy.
His lusty cries portend his vigor,
He shall wear bright, red knee caps,
Shall be the lord of a hereditary house.
When a daughter is born,
She is cradled on the floor,
She is clothed in swaddling bands,
Given a loom whorf as toy,
She shall wear no badges of honor,
Shall only take care of food and drink,
And not cause trouble to her parents"

POEM TAKEN FROM CHINESE LITERATURE
BOOKS OF SONGS.