Fiery Mountain in sixth moon hotter than before,
No people pass by Red Pavilion any more.
I know you're used to hardship on the west frontier;
Oh, could the moon over Wheel Tower make you drear?
Unsaddle your horse, drink and drown in wine your woe;
I'll see you go for miles and miles to beat the foe.
You will win rank and fame only on battle steed;
A real hero must have done heroic deed.
Original Poem:
「送李副使赴碛西官军」
岑参
火山六月应更热，赤亭道口行人绝。
知君惯度祁连城，岂能愁见轮台月。
脱鞍暂入酒家垆，送君万里西击胡。
功名祗向马上取，真是英雄一丈夫。
Interpretation:
This poem was written by Cen Shen to bid farewell to his friend, Li Fushi, who was departing for the Western Regions. Through simple language, a grandiose tone, and deep emotions, the poet conveys his encouragement and well-wishes for his friend’s journey.
First Couplet
"火山六月应更热，赤亭道口行人绝。"
(The volcano is even hotter in June, and the road at Chiting is deserted.)
These two lines set the scene of a challenging journey by depicting the scorching heat of the volcano and the desolation of the Chiting road. This emphasizes the difficult journey that Li Fushi is about to embark on, suggesting that he will face many hardships and challenges. The environment of Chiting and the volcano imply the difficulties ahead, while also conveying Li Fushi's determination to face them courageously without fear.
Second Couplet
"知君惯度祁连城，岂能愁见轮台月。"
(I know you have long been used to crossing the city of Qilian, so how could you feel homesick at the sight of the moon over Luntai?)
These lines praise Li Fushi's resilience and bravery, gained through years of military service and time spent on the frontier. It suggests that Li Fushi is no stranger to hardship and would not be moved by the sight of the moon at Luntai. The rhetorical question emphasizes Li Fushi’s composed attitude towards harsh conditions, highlighting his unwavering commitment to his mission.
Third Couplet
"脱鞍暂入酒家垆，送君万里西击胡。"
(Perhaps you can dismount and take a short rest at the tavern before continuing on your journey to the west to fight the Hu people.)
On the surface, these lines suggest that Li Fushi should take a break at a tavern, but they also express the poet’s recognition of Li Fushi’s important mission. Through the image of the tavern, the poet alleviates some of the sorrow of parting, while describing Li Fushi’s task of heading west to fight the Hu people, creating a grand, heroic atmosphere. This foreshadows the important responsibility that Li Fushi is about to bear.
Fourth Couplet
"功名祗向马上取，真是英雄一丈夫。"
(Fame and glory are only earned on horseback; you are truly a hero, a true man.)
These lines directly express the poet’s encouragement and expectation, emphasizing that a hero earns their reputation through battle. The poet uses this bold statement not only to encourage Li Fushi to pursue glory but also to reflect his own aspirations and ideals, showcasing a spirit of active progress and brave responsibility.
Writing Features
- Grand and Passionate Expression of Emotion
The poet uses grand language and an uplifting tone to encourage his friend, Li Fushi, to journey to the Western Regions, emphasizing heroism and a sense of mission. The poem does not focus on the sadness of departure, but instead highlights Li Fushi’s bravery and greatness through praise and encouragement. - Use of Rhetorical Questions and Shifts to Enhance Atmosphere
Through the rhetorical question "How could you feel homesick at the sight of the moon over Luntai?" the poet showcases Li Fushi’s lofty ambition and fearless spirit. This rhetorical question not only praises his friend but also intensifies the poem’s atmosphere, reinforcing the theme of heroism. - Colloquial Language and Natural Emotional Flow
The language of the poem is colloquial, natural, and intimate, giving the feeling of a casual conversation between friends. The poet directly encourages Li Fushi to take a break at a tavern and drink to say goodbye, rather than expressing a sorrowful farewell. This makes the entire poem feel more bold and carefree. - Vivid Details and Integration of Scene with Emotion
Through details like "volcano in June" and "Chiting road," the poet vividly sketches out the difficult journey, which enhances the imagery of the poem and sets the foundation for the later motivational tone. These depictions not only bring the poem to life but also strengthen the emotional transmission. - Sublimation of Heroism and Ideals
The final line "Fame and glory are only earned on horseback" expresses encouragement to Li Fushi, while also reflecting the poet's pursuit of heroic ideals, filled with a stirring energy. This resolute statement emphasizes the courageous spirit of fighting for the country and the people, demonstrating the poet's hidden ambitions and ideals.
Overall Appreciation
This poem showcases Cen Shen’s deep friendship and motivational feelings. Through vivid descriptions and passionate language, he inspires Li Fushi to bravely move forward and shoulder his mission. By using detailed environmental imagery and praising heroism, the poet breaks away from the traditional melancholic farewell poems, creating an uplifting and stirring atmosphere. Through depictions of the natural environment and a celebration of heroism, the poem presents a magnificent scene and the poet's heroic spirit, while also inspiring readers’ admiration for bravery and a sense of mission.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Cen Can(岑参), 715 - 770 AD, was a native of Jingzhou, Hubei Province. He studied at Mt. Songshan when he was young, and later traveled to Beijing, Luoyang and Shuohe. Cen Shen was famous for his border poems, in which he wrote about the border scenery and the life of generals in a majestic and unrestrained manner, and together with Gao Shi, he was an outstanding representative of the border poetry school of the Sheng Tang Dynasty.
