The way is broad like the blue sky,
But no way out before my eye.
I am ashamed to follow those who have no guts,
Gambling on fighting cocks and dogs for pears and nuts.
Feng would go homeward way, having no fish to eat;
Zhou did not think to bow to noblemen was to meet.
General Han was mocked in the market place;
The brilliant scholar, Jia was banished in disgrace.
Have you not heard of King of Yan in days gone by,
Who venerated talents and built Terrace high
On which he offered gold to gifted men
And stooped low and swept the floor to welcome them?
Grateful, Ju Xin and Yue Yi came then
And served him heart and soul, both full of stratagem.
The king's bones were now buried, who would sweep the foot
And the Gold Terrace any more?
Hard is the way. Go back without delay!
Original Poem:
「行路难 · 其二」
李白
大道如青天，我独不得出。
羞逐长安社中儿，赤鸡白雉赌梨栗。
弹剑作歌奏苦声，曳裾王门不称情。
淮阴市井笑韩信，汉朝公卿忌贾生。
君不见昔时燕家重郭隗，拥篲折节无嫌猜。
剧辛乐毅感恩分，输肝剖胆效英才。
昭王白骨萦蔓草，谁人更扫黄金台？
行路难，归去来！
Interpretation:
In the first year of Emperor Xuanzong’s Tianbao era (742), Li Bai was summoned to the capital and appointed as a Hanlin scholar. However, he was never truly valued at court and was instead ostracized by powerful ministers. Two years later, he was "granted gold and sent away," effectively exiled from Chang’an. This poem was composed at that time, expressing his indignation at his frustrating political career and the sorrow of being unappreciated.
First Couplet: "大道如青天，我独不得出。"
(The path to success is vast like the blue sky, yet I alone cannot move forward.)
Li Bai uses the metaphor of the vast sky to illustrate the boundless possibilities of an official career, yet immediately contrasts it with his own stagnation. This sharp contrast highlights his deep resentment and frustration. The grandeur of the imagery establishes the poem’s sorrowful and indignant tone.
Second Couplet: "羞逐长安社中儿，赤鸡白雉赌梨栗。"
(I am ashamed to mingle with the privileged youths of Chang’an, who gamble with fighting cocks and wager pears and chestnuts.)
Here, Li Bai expresses his disdain for the aristocratic elites of Chang’an, who indulge in frivolous pleasures. By ridiculing their superficiality, he underscores his own moral integrity and refusal to conform.
Third Couplet: "弹剑作歌奏苦声，曳裾王门不称情。"
(I draw my sword and sing a song of sorrow, yet I find no harmony with the lords in their grand halls.)
By alluding to Feng Xuan, who once played the sword and sang to lament his plight, Li Bai conveys his own disappointment with the indifferent political environment. The phrase "not in accord" reveals his alienation and helplessness.
Fourth Couplet: "淮阴市井笑韩信，汉朝公卿忌贾生。"
(Han Xin was once mocked by commoners, and the ministers of Han envied Jia Yi.)
By referencing the tragic fates of Han Xin and Jia Yi—both great talents who suffered due to political jealousy—Li Bai draws a parallel to his own mistreatment, expressing his outrage at being sidelined.
Fifth Couplet: "君不见昔时燕家重郭隗，拥篲折节无嫌猜。"
(Do you not see how the King of Yan honored Guo Kui, sweeping the ground himself as a gesture of respect?)
Recalling the historical account of King Zhao of Yan, who humbly sought talented individuals, Li Bai wistfully expresses his longing for a ruler who truly values men of ability.
Sixth Couplet: "剧辛乐毅感恩分，输肝剖胆效英才。"
(Ju Xin and Le Yi, moved by their king’s grace, dedicated their lives with unwavering loyalty.)
By mentioning the loyalty of Ju Xin and Le Yi to the King of Yan, Li Bai implies his own desire to serve a wise ruler and contribute his talents to the nation.
Seventh Couplet: "昭王白骨萦蔓草，谁人更扫黄金台？"
(King Zhao’s remains now lie beneath overgrown weeds—who will still sweep the Golden Terrace for worthy men?)
Here, Li Bai laments the loss of rulers who once earnestly sought talent. The "Golden Terrace" serves as a metaphor for the court, implying that no one in power now genuinely appreciates capable individuals.
Eighth Couplet: "行路难，归去来！"
(The road is treacherous—better to return home!)
The poem concludes with a decisive and melancholic exclamation, both a protest against his mistreatment and a reluctant resignation, showing his deep disappointment in reality.
Literary Features:
This poem skillfully combines metaphor and historical allusion to create an emotionally charged narrative. The opening line, "The path to success is vast like the blue sky," establishes a grand and ambitious tone. Through a series of historical parallels and striking contrasts, Li Bai enhances the emotional impact of his lament. His language is powerful and unrestrained, reinforcing the intense sense of injustice and frustration. The poem ends on a dramatic note, leaving the reader with a lasting impression of his sorrow and defiance.
Overall Analysis:
This poem revolves around the theme of "The Hard Road", portraying Li Bai’s struggles in Chang’an, his unrecognized talent, and his disdain for corrupt courtiers. It conveys a complex emotional conflict: he longs to fulfill his aspirations but faces constant disappointment. The sharp contrasts, historical references, and symbolic imagery create a vivid portrait of a disheartened yet unyielding soul. The piece is both a personal lament and a reflection on the fate of many unappreciated talents throughout history.
Insights:
Beyond Li Bai’s personal grievances, this poem highlights a universal truth: throughout history, many gifted individuals have been suppressed by political intrigue and jealousy. It reminds us that true talent deserves recognition and that one’s worth is not solely determined by political success. Despite his frustration, Li Bai does not abandon his ideals. His perseverance and unwavering spirit continue to inspire those who strive for greatness despite adversity.
Poem translator:
Xu Yuan-chong(许渊冲)
About the poet:
Li Bai (李白), 701 ~ 762 A.D., whose ancestral home was in Gansu, was preceded by Li Guang, a general of the Han Dynasty. Tang poetry is one of the brightest constellations in the history of Chinese literature, and one of the brightest stars is Li Bai.
