Classic Poem

Prince Tan of Yen knew how to treat a man —
His aim was vengeance on mighty Ying.
He long had looked for the man worth a hundred
And then as the years ran out he got Ching K'o.
" A gentleman will die for one who knows his worth;
With sword in hand I will leave Yen's capital,
My pallid charger whinnying through the streets
As they escort me, filled with high resolve. "
The hero's hair thrusts through his high hat,
His valor saturates the long capstring.
A farewell cup beside the River Yi,
Around him sit the heroes of the realm.
Kao Chien-li strikes the sad guitar,
Sung Yi sings the high-pitched mournful song.
A plaintive wind begins its lonely wail,
The cold waves surge in the swelling flood.
With the Shang mode tune the tears flow fast
When the note yü is struck the hero is startled:
He knows he will leave and never return
But after him his name will live forever.
He mounted his carriage and never once looked back.
Canopy flying, he headed for the court of Ch'in.
Straight for his goal he dashed, ten thousand miles
Around and through a thousand towns he drove.
When the chart unrolled, the thing was there —
Even the intrepid ruler drew back in fear.
Alas, that his swordsmanship was faulty
And left the unimaginable deed undone!
Although the man is long since dead and gone,
After a thousand years he inspires us still.