English Rendering
A gallant man from northlands grim,
We meet where heroes’ lights burn dim.
Our hearts hold more than words can share—
The sun now dips. The road waits there.
Meeting a Knight-Errant
- Poetry of Qian Qi
《逢侠者》
Original Text (中文原文)
燕赵悲歌士，相逢剧孟家。
寸心言不尽，前路日将斜。
Analysis & Context
This poem was composed by Qian Qi as a farewell piece upon encountering a wandering swordsman during his travels. Tang Dynasty literati often traveled extensively and formed diverse connections, with interactions between scholars and swordsmen being relatively common. This poem serves as a genuine portrayal of the poet's brief yet profound encounter with a chivalrous figure. Though devoid of grand scenes, its implications run deep—expressing both admiration for the swordsman and melancholy at parting.
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.
- To the North-flying Wild Geese
- Meeting a Knight-Errant
- Night at Dongkou Post Station
- Farewell to Imperial Editor Xiahou Shen Returning East
- Autumn Night Gazing at the Moon by the Southern Gate
- Admiring Vice Censor Yang’s Pure Prose
- 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 )
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