To the Memory of Jingke

Prince Dan was good at winning the hearts of his men,

Bent on avenging himself on the powerful Ying.

Those rallied around him were of society the cream,

By the year's end Jingke joined their ranks.

As it befits a man to die for a friend,

He set out from the Yan capital sword in hand.

White steeds neighed, thundering down the high way

With horsemen rushing to see him off.

Tall caps lifted on bristling hair,

Manly vigour sent the tassels flying.

By the Yi River was held the farewell ceremony,

An occasion graced by the flower of the nation.

Whimpering notes streamed forth from Jianli’s lute,

Song Yi broke out into a sonorous tenor.

The wind broke out into a moaning wail,

Lashing the limpid river into chilly ripples.

Doleful tunes drew tears from the dauntless warriors,

High-keyed strains braced up their darksome spirits.

Well he knew it was a one-way trip,

Well he knew to posterity will go down his name.

His chariot he mounted without looking back,

As swift as wind he reached the Qin court.

Boldly he advanced ten thousand li,

Spinning his way through a thousand cities.

The moment came when the map rolled out,

Stunned was the tyrant, then panicked.

Alas, the swordsman's art was flawed

In failure ended his heroic attempt.

Dead he is, but

Cherished will be his memory.

  (谭时霖 译)

上一页  [1] [2] [3] 下一页