Her dress shed fragrance on the lake;
The Southern soldiers took the capital at daybreak.
It would be a shame for the Southern king to win
The Eastern Kingdom by a lady fair and thin.
Original Poem:
「馆娃宫怀古五绝 · 其一」
皮日休
绮阁飘香下太湖，乱兵侵晓上姑苏。
越王大有堪羞处，只把西施赚得吴。
Interpretation:
This poem is the first of Five Quatrains on Reflecting on the Past at Guanwa Palace by Pi Rixiu, written during his tenure in Suzhou. It is a historical reflection inspired by the ruins of Guanwa Palace, located on Linyan Mountain in Suzhou. This palace was built by King Fuchai of Wu to honor his beloved consort Xi Shi. However, Fuchai’s obsession with Xi Shi led him to neglect state affairs, resulting in Wu’s eventual downfall to the Yue kingdom. Through the depiction of historical events, the poet critiques the lessons of history, using the past to admonish the present.
First Couplet: “绮阁飘香下太湖，乱兵侵晓上姑苏。”
(The pavilions of Guanwa Palace exude their fragrance, carried by the winds of Linyan Mountain to Taihu Lake. Meanwhile, Yue’s rebel forces storm Gusu Tower at daybreak.)
The first couplet contrasts the opulence of the Wu palace with the stark reality of its downfall. The delicate image of fragrant pavilions symbolizes Fuchai’s indulgence, while the description of Yue’s troops highlights the consequences of his neglect. This contrast sets the tone for the poem’s reflection on Wu’s collapse.
Second Couplet: “越王大有堪羞处，只把西施赚得吴。”
(How shameful it is for King Goujian to triumph—with Xi Shi as his sole weapon against Wu.)
The second couplet seemingly criticizes Goujian for relying on deception and beauty to conquer Wu. However, beneath this surface-level critique lies a deeper condemnation of Fuchai’s folly in succumbing to such a scheme, illustrating the moral and political decay that led to Wu’s downfall.
Writing Features:
- Emotion Infused Through Imagery, Combining the Real and Imagined
The poem begins with the ethereal “fragrant pavilions,” creating an image of Wu’s decadence and the king’s distraction by luxury. The imagery of the fragrance drifting to Taihu contrasts sharply with the tangible reality of Yue’s military action, using juxtaposition to emphasize the king’s negligence. - Critiquing the Present Through Historical Allusion
By referencing Fuchai and Xi Shi, the poet indirectly critiques contemporary political missteps. While seemingly ridiculing King Goujian, the poem’s deeper focus lies in exposing Fuchai’s mismanagement and underscoring the broader implications of historical lessons. - Subtle and Sophisticated Expression
Through veiled criticism and indirect wording, the poet artfully avoids overt condemnation, achieving a nuanced balance of historical reflection and moral lesson. This implicit approach enhances the poem’s depth and poetic elegance. - Sharp Contrasts to Highlight the Theme
The poet contrasts the “fragrant pavilions” with the “rebel troops at dawn,” juxtaposing leisure with crisis. The critique of Goujian’s cunning against Fuchai’s indulgence further underscores the contrasting fortunes of the two kingdoms, driving home the inevitability of Wu’s downfall.
Overall Analysis:
Through the lens of Wu and Yue’s historical conflict, Pi Rixiu masterfully connects the indulgence of luxury with the inevitability of ruin. The opening couplet vividly captures the contrast between the opulent setting of Guanwa Palace and the chaos of Yue’s invasion. The critique of Goujian’s reliance on Xi Shi is an indirect yet sharp rebuke of Fuchai’s shortsightedness, highlighting how Wu’s indulgence paved the way for its destruction. The poet’s skillful blend of historical imagery, personal reflection, and moral commentary lends the poem profound artistic and philosophical depth, making it a quintessential example of combining historical allusion with social critique.
Insights:
This poem underscores the connection between a nation’s prosperity and its leader’s conduct. Wu’s King Fuchai, consumed by infatuation and neglectful of state affairs, led his kingdom to ruin. Conversely, King Goujian’s resilience and strategic cunning allowed Yue to achieve vengeance. Through this historical allegory, the poet warns against the perils of prioritizing personal indulgence over national duty. It serves as a timeless reminder that leadership requires vigilance, discipline, and a focus on the greater good to ensure enduring stability and prosperity.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)
About the poet:
Lu Guimeng (陆龟蒙), ? - 881 A.D., Tang Dynasty agronomist and literary scholar, native of Wu County, Jiangsu Province. He was a member of the staff of the assassins of Huzhou and Suzhou, and later lived in seclusion in Fuli, Songjiang, and his poems are mostly about scenery and objects.
