On History
- Poetry of Li Shangyin

《咏史二首 · 其一》

English Rendering

Water shimmers in Northern Lake and by Southern Tower,

All kings surrendered with white flags to a new power.

Three hundred years have passed like a dream one and all;

No Coiling Dragon could keep kingdoms from downfall.

Original Text (中文原文)

北湖南埭水漫漫，一片降旗百尺竿。

三百年间同晓梦，钟山何处有龙盘。

Analysis & Context

This poem was written in the 11th year of the reign of Emperor Xuanzong (857) during the Tang dynasty. Li Shangyin, recommended by Liu Zhongying, was appointed as the Salt and Iron Commissioner and traveled to Jiangdong. During his time in Jiangdong, Li Shangyin wrote a series of historical poems, often using history as a mirror to satirize the corruption in the society and politics of his time, especially criticizing the king’s indulgence in luxury and debauchery that led to the ruin of the country.

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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