From Oracle Bones by Keith Holyoak
Sparrows
How shall the dying counselor be honored?
A soldier he fell into the hands of the enemy
They beat him broke his limbs
He told them nothing
A noble he stood before the king and assembly
He could not raise his arms
His voice was steady
The Counselor said beware of false alliances
My Lord defend your people
He spoke his duty
Aged he died his king bestowed no favor
They laid him out for jackals
Left him unburied
The sparrows flocked each bore a bit of earth
Dropped it to build his grave mound
Wings dipped in mourning