In Praise of Ching K'o

Prince 'Tan of Yen knew how to treat a man

His aim was vengeance on mighty Ying.

He long had looked for the man worth a hundred

And then as the years ran out he got Ching K'o.

A gentleman will die for one who knows his worth;

With sword in hand I will leave Yen's capital,

My pallid charger whinnying through the streets

As they escort me, filled with high resolve.

The hero's hair thrusts through his high hat,

His valor saturates the long capstring.

A farewell cup beside the River Yi,

Around him sit the heroes ofthe realm.

Kao Chien-li strikes the sad guitar,

Sung Yi sings the high-pitched mournful song.

A plaintive wind begins its lonely wail,

The cold waves surge in the swelling food.

With the Shang mode tune the tears fow fast

When the note yi is struck the hero is startled:

He knows he will leave and never return

But after him his name will live forever.

He mounted his carriage and never once looked back.

Canopy fying, he headed for the court of Ch'in.

Straight for his goal he dashed, ten thousand miles

Around and through a thousand towns he drove.

When the chart unrolled, the thing was there

Even the intrepid ruler drew back in fear.

Alas, that his swordsmanship was faulty

And left the unimaginable deed undone!

Although the man is long since dead and gone,

After a thousand years he inspires us still.