For a Harmonious Unicorn Virtue Banquet of One Hundred Colleagues, by Imperial order
- Poetry of Bao Junhui

《奉和麟德殿宴百僚应制》

English Rendering

Foremost in the world for brilliant foresight.

Achieving success in martial excellence.

Weapons just and bright before the ramparts.

A cultured treasure flourishing at court.

Eminent, strong blessing to all the land.

Always illustrious before the throne.

From your jade mat, your arrow strikes the roc.

Your immortal harmonies govern the phoenix.

Imperial willows, sprouting new deep green.

Palace warblers, singing their first bright songs.

General, we celebrate you beyond measure

And make one thousand offerings to the spirit of Yao.

For a Harmonious Unicorn Virtue Banquet of One Hundred Colleagues, by Imperial order by Bao Junhui
For a Harmonious Unicorn Virtue Banquet of One Hundred Colleagues, by Imperial order by Bao Junhui

Original Text (中文原文)

睿泽先寰海,功成殿武韶。

戈鋋清外垒,文物盛中朝。

圣祚山河固,宸章日月昭。

玉筵鸾鹄集,仙管凤凰调。

御柳新低绿,宫莺乍啭娇。

愿将亿兆庆,千祀奉神尧。

Analysis & Context

This is obviously a formulaic poem produced by order of the throne to celebrate and honor a returning victor. Emperor Dezong started out well and went downhill throughout his reign. He struggled with many rebellions and caused as many, through poor judgement, as he put down.

Reader's Companion

The Essence of the Verse

Classical Chinese poetry thrives on Concision and Ambiguity. Without tense or number, the words create a timeless space where the reader becomes the co-creator of the poem's meaning.

Reading Between the Lines

Look for Contrasts: light and shadow, movement and stillness. Don't just translate the words; feel the Yijing (artistic conception) that lingers long after the last character.

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