Liangzhou Verses
Wang Han
Translated by Xuemei 2018.12.21
Version I
Exquisite wine of grapes
in a luminous cup of jade—
Before I could drink, the pipa was struck
on horseback urging us to charge.
Laugh not if I would fall drunk
on the sandy battleground:
For how many have returned
from all the wars we’ve learned.
Version II
Before I could drink the fine wine in a jade glass that glows at night,
The pipa was struck on the horseback urging us to forward and fight.
Should I lie drunk in the battlefield, laugh not at the sight,
For how many warriors have ever returned alive and alright?
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