John Davis, an English missionary and sinologist, translated 7 kinds of Chinese classics during his years in China. His Poeseos Sinensis Commentarii: On the Poetry of the Chinese was an early attempt of sinolo? gists’translation of Chinese poetry. Davis intended to introduce as much as possible Chinese society and culture to western readers via translating only abridged poems. He also elaborated on the rhythm and forms of the differ? ences between English and Chinese poetry. Davis mainly adopted foreignization strategy while he rewrote and adapted some religious images. The poems selected for translation are varied and can be classified into social practices, scenery, history and culture, religion and ethics. His translation materials are well-chosen, not only for the dissemination of knowledge and commercial trade, but also for the ideology.