Wang Wei: Join an Army Expedition

 

Join an Army Expedition

 

从 军 行
吹 角 动 行 人
喧 喧 行 人 起。
笳 悲 马 嘶 乱
争 渡 金 河 水。
日 暮 沙 漠 垂
战 声 烟 尘 里。
尽 系 名 王 颈
归 来 报 天 子。
Cong Jun Xing

Chui jiao dong xing ren
Xuan xuan xing ren qi.
Jia bei ma si luan
Zheng du jin he shui.

Ri mu sha mo chui
Zhan sheng yan chen li.
Jin xi ming wang jing
Gui lai bao tian zi.

 

Join an Army Expedition

Blow the horn to muster all the troops
Many loud noises as they arise and organize.
Flute music full of pathos, horses neigh fitful and nervous
We advance across the Jin River.

Sunlight disappearing, fighting continues
Sounds of battle, billows of smoke and dust only.
Carry their famous leader’s head on display
Go back and report our victory to the emperor.

 

Notes:

Jin River: Into enemy territory within Gansu province.