21.古诗三首

Lesson Twenty-One

Three Ancient Poems

Marching Out to the Frontier

Wang Changling the Tang Dynasty】

The moon of Qin shines yet over the passes of Han,

Our men have not returned from the distant frontier.

If the Winged General of Dragon City were there,

No Hu horses could ever cross the Yinshan.

Liangzhou Song

Wang Han the Tang Dynasty】

Exquisite wine in cups that glitter at night,

The pipa playing on horseback urges us to drink.

Laugh not if we lie drunk on the battlefield.

Since ancient times how many have ever returned from campaigns afar?

The Wu River

Li Qingzhao the Song Dynasty】

Living, he towered above men;

Dead, he’s a hero of the ghosts.

I’ve oft pondered over Xiang Yu, when,

Having lost his hometown-enrolled host,

He’d rather die of self-slit throat,

Than crossing the River in a boat!