The beacon fires spread to the capital;
My agitated mind can't be calmed down.
By royal order to leave palace hall;
Our armored steeds besiege the Dragon Town.
Darkening snow damages our banners red;
With the howling wind mingle our drumbeats.
I'd rather fight at a hundred men's head
Than pore over books without performing feats.
Original Poem:
「从军行」
杨炯
烽火照西京，心中自不平。
牙璋辞凤阙，铁骑绕龙城。
雪暗凋旗画，风多杂鼓声。
宁为百夫长，胜作一书生。
Interpretation:
"I Would Rather Fight" is a frontier poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Yang Jiong. Using the traditional title Song of the Army, the poem vividly portrays the passionate ambition of a scholar who abandons his literary pursuits to join the military. Set against the backdrop of the Tibetan and Turkic invasions in the Gansu region during the reigns of Emperor Gaozong, the poem expresses the poet's fervent patriotism and admiration for the military life while hinting at concerns over the court's preference for military strength over literature. With only forty characters, the poem encompasses the entirety of military enlistment and battle, showcasing Yang Jiong's remarkable poetic talent.
First Couplet: “烽火照西京，心中自不平。”
(Beacon fires illuminate the Western Capital, filling the heart with unrest.)
The "beacon fires" reflect the urgency of frontier warfare, while the phrase "illuminate the Western Capital" conveys the far-reaching impact of the conflict. The scholar’s sense of "unrest" signifies his dissatisfaction with a sedentary literary life and his determination to defend the nation. This couplet sets the emotional tone and provides the poem's contextual backdrop.
Second Couplet: “牙璋辞凤阙，铁骑绕龙城。”
(Bearing the commander’s seal, he bids farewell to the imperial palace; iron cavalry encircle the enemy’s stronghold.)
“Bidding farewell to the imperial palace” highlights the solemnity of the expedition, while the imagery of "iron cavalry encircling the enemy" evokes the tension and grandeur of impending victory. This couplet glorifies the courage and valor of frontier soldiers, capturing the admiration of the poet.
Third Couplet: “雪暗凋旗画，风多杂鼓声。”
(Snow darkens the battle flags, while the wind mixes with the sound of war drums.)
The depiction of snow and wind conveys the harsh natural conditions and the intensity of battle. The "darkened flags" symbolize the brutality of war, while the "mixed drum sounds" evoke the soldiers’ resilience and fighting spirit. This couplet creates a solemn and poignant atmosphere of combat.
Fourth Couplet: “宁为百夫长，胜作一书生。”
(I would rather be a centurion achieving glory in war than a scholar crafting prose.)
This final couplet uses a stark contrast to express the scholar's fervent desire to pursue military service. It rejects the idle pursuits of literary life in favor of the heroic deeds of a soldier, epitomizing the heroic values and societal ideals of early Tang intellectuals.
Literary Features:
- Key Scene Selection: The poem uses a compact, leap-like structure to depict critical moments—from beacon alarms to battlefields—offering both brevity and dramatic effect.
- Emotional Progression: The poem advances from the patriot’s zeal, to the general's solemn departure, and finally to the chaos of battle, reflecting the transformation of the scholar’s inner resolve.
- Contrasts: The final couplet contrasts the sedentary life of a scholar with the glory of military exploits, highlighting the poet's pursuit of heroism.
- Concise Language: With only forty characters, the poem delivers vivid imagery, strong auditory elements, and emotional depth, demonstrating Yang Jiong's masterful poetic skill.
Overall Appreciation:
Song of the Army narrates the journey of a scholar enlisting in the army and participating in battle with genuine emotion and grandeur. Within its concise structure, the poem portrays the solemnity and poignancy of frontier military life while celebrating the passionate dedication of Tang intellectuals to their country. The leap-like narrative pace and vivid imagery reveal Yang Jiong’s extraordinary artistry, making this poem a classic of frontier poetry and a reflection of the patriotism and heroism of early Tang society.
Insights:
This poem highlights the admiration for valor, duty, and heroism prevalent during the Tang Dynasty. It teaches us the importance of taking concrete actions to serve one’s ideals and country, rather than indulging in idle aspirations. The patriotism and courage depicted in the poem remain a source of inspiration, reminding us of the timeless value of dedication and resilience.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the Poet:
Yang Jiong (杨炯), 650 - 692 AD, was a native of Shaanxi. He was a poet of the Tang Dynasty and one of the Four Heroes of the early Tang Dynasty. In 661 A.D., at the age of 11, Yang Jiong was cited as a child prodigy, and in 676 A.D., he was awarded the title of school scholar.
