English Rendering
Three River Valleys overrun by Northern foes,
People within four seas flee to the Southern land.
If Master Xie again from Eastern Mountain rose,
He'd quell with ease the rebels as he'd sprinkle sand.
Song of Eastern Expedition of Prince Yong (One of Eleven Poems)
- Poetry of Li Bai (Li Po)
《永王东巡歌(十一首选一)》
Original Text (中文原文)
三川北虏乱如麻，四海南奔似永嘉。
但用东山谢安石，为君谈笑净胡沙。
Analysis & Context
Xie An fought against heavy odds and won victory in 382.Here the poet alluded to himself.
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.
- The Song of a Southern Maid V
- Observing the Moon
- Su Wu
- Ancient Air: A Northern Belle
- Awaiting the Wine That Doesn’t Come
- Consoling Myself
- The Summit Temple
- <Prelude to Water Melody> Sent to Ziyou on Mid-autumn Festival
- Invitation to Wine
- Question and Answer in the Mountains
- Cold sheet
- Coming Home ( Returning Home )
The Masters' Directory
Journey through the dynasties. Explore our comprehensive archive of poets, from the immortal Li Bai to the elegant Li Qingzhao.
View All Poets →