On Appeasement by Marriage by Rong Yu

The kings in history sank so low
As to appease by marriage the foe.
To rule is a sovereign's duty.
Can safety depend on a beauty?
Could a face beautiful as jade
Repel the Tartars who invade?
Why were no loyal generals found
Among bones buried underground?

Original Poem:

「咏史」
汉家青史上，计拙是和亲。
社稷依明主，安危托妇人。
岂能将玉貌，便拟静胡尘。
地下千年骨，谁为辅佐臣。

戎昱

Interpretation:

This poem was written during the turbulent period following the An Lushan Rebellion in the Tang Dynasty. At the time, the Tang court adopted a policy of marriage alliances to ease border tensions. However, this strategy failed, highlighting the empire’s perceived weakness. The poet, deeply troubled by this, used historical references to criticize the Han Dynasty’s similar policies, thus implicitly censuring the Tang court. Through this, the poet conveyed his anxiety over the nation’s fate and his indignation toward the incompetence of the ruling class.

First Couplet: “汉家青史上，计拙是和亲。”
(In the chronicles of the Han, the most inept strategy was the policy of marriage alliances.)
This couplet draws upon Han Dynasty history to highlight the inefficacy of marriage alliances. By criticizing the Han Dynasty’s “clumsy strategy,” the poet subtly alludes to the Tang Dynasty’s equally misguided diplomacy. This sets the stage for the poem’s broader critique of weak foreign policy.

Second Couplet: “社稷依明主，安危托妇人。”
(A nation’s stability relies on a wise ruler; how can its safety rest upon a woman?)
Here, the poet bluntly asserts that a country’s strength depends on capable leadership rather than entrusting its fate to a marriage alliance. The couplet conveys sharp dissatisfaction with the Tang court’s reliance on women to secure peace, exposing such policies as a manifestation of incompetence and cowardice.

Third Couplet: “岂能将玉貌，便拟静胡尘。”
(How can a woman’s beauty alone subdue the Hu riders?)
Through this rhetorical question, the poet intensifies his critique of the absurdity of relying on physical beauty to quell foreign threats. The poet’s indignation is palpable, and the lines reflect his disdain for the Tang Dynasty’s humiliating and futile attempts to secure peace through submission.

Fourth Couplet: “地下千年骨，谁为辅佐臣。”
(Beneath the earth lie ancient heroes’ bones—who now among the living is a worthy minister?)
The final couplet concludes the poem with a sorrowful question, lamenting the lack of capable statesmen to guide the nation. This reflection on the absence of worthy advisors serves as a sharp critique of the Tang court and underscores the poet’s deep concern for the nation’s decline.

Writing Characteristics:

1. Historical Allusion to Criticize the Present: By referencing the Han Dynasty, the poet indirectly critiques the Tang court’s policies, amplifying the satirical tone.
2. Concise Language and Direct Emotion: The verses are unambiguous and emotionally charged, reflecting the poet’s candid frustration and disappointment.
3. Progressive Structure: The poem moves logically from critiquing the marriage alliance to exposing its consequences and lamenting the lack of capable leadership, creating a well-organized and impactful argument.

Overall Analysis:

This poem uses the topic of marriage alliances to reveal the broader issue of national weakness. By denouncing the Han Dynasty’s historical policies, the poet condemns the Tang court’s similar approach, expressing his deep concern for the empire’s future. The poem’s layered critique—ranging from specific policies to systemic incompetence—demonstrates the poet’s profound love for his country and his desire for meaningful reform. The vivid imagery and emotional intensity make the poem a compelling call for self-reliance and capable governance.

Insights:

The poem emphasizes the importance of strong leadership and sound governance for a nation’s stability. It criticizes reliance on superficial solutions, like marriage alliances, to address critical issues, underscoring the need for self-reliance and capable leadership. The poet’s call for dignity and national strength resonates universally, reminding us that true peace and security stem from internal resilience rather than external compromises. 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.