His golden arrow is tipped with hawk's feathers,
His embroidered silk flag has a tail like a swallow.
One man, arising, gives a new order
To the answering shout of a thousand tents.
Original Poem:
「塞下曲 · 其一」
卢纶
鹫翎金仆姑， 燕尾绣蝥弧。
独立扬新令， 千营共一呼。
Interpretation:
This poem is the first of the group, depicting the majesty of the commander-in-chief, the solemnity of the army, and the unity and spirit of the whole army.
In the first and second lines, the arrows are tied with the feathers of big eagles, and the flag of the commander-in-chief is adorned with brocade ribbons. In the third and fourth lines, the general issued a new battle order with a resounding voice, and the ten million soldiers under his banner responded in unison.
This poem is about the mobilization and departure of a majestic sound, the first and second lines are opposite to each other, written as if they were there. The third and fourth lines are written as if hearing the sound. The general draws his bow at night. The general drew his bow at night. He searched for the white feather in the evening, but it was not in the stone ridge.
Poem translator:
Kiang Kanghu
About the poet:
Lu Lun (卢纶), 748 – 798 A.D., was a native of Yongji, Shanxi Province, and was one of the “Ten Scholarly Men of the Dali Dynasty”. Lu Lun was a judge of the Marshal’s Office in Hezhong, and he served as the inspector of the Ministry of Revenue. His poems were more eloquent and liberal, with many works of farewells and rewards, as well as works reflecting the life of soldiers. Five volumes of his poems are recorded in Quan Tang Shi (All Tang Poems).
