Saturday, February 20, 2010

An Ode to Valour

An Ode to Valor

From XIN Qi Ji to CHEN Liang, to the tune of the Victorious Melody

In my drunkenness, I examined my sword by the lamp
As I drifted to sleep, I dreamed of bugles sounding in the stockade
The warriors feasted
While the zithers played the songs of war
A gathering of troops in the autumn

The steeds galloped as though on wings
And the bowstrings screamed their thunderous cry
That I may accomplish the pursuit of my sovereign
And win fame and repute in life and in death
But alas! My head is greyed with age.