How grand, our Song's dominion over the land,
Benevolence surpassing the Three Dynasties' grace.
Taizu and Taizong bequeathed the laws so grand,
Zhenzong and Renzong, parental kindness in their face.
The Xining and Yuanfeng eras enriched the state,
To pacify all realms, no barbarous foe to wait.
Zhezong's Yuanyou built the royal way supreme,
Revering sages and worthies, as if in a dream.
A century of peace, from high to low, did reign,
A vast domain, in tranquil joy, without a stain.
But spring's warm sun, too mild, no sternness could impart,
Let alien tribes then peer into the capital's heart.
Ministers of that time knew not the righteous course,
Seeing wolves as foxes, lacking in moral force.
A craven life, though clung to, ends in death at last,
To fall into sly traps—was it not folly vast?
Sun, moon, and stars grew dim, the sacred peaks did fall,
Two emperors captured north, no hope of recall.
Loyal hearts still ache with pain that pierces to the bone,
Even children and the simple heave a mournful groan.
Alas, you heroes of the Central Plains of old,
Long clad in alien garb, what goal does your heart hold?
As if crouched under a fierce beast, you bide your time,
Spear in hand, awaiting chance to rise and climb.
How can your face bear no shame, no blush of disgrace,
Aiding tigers and leopards, a traitorous race?
The cycle's sixty years have passed, and half again,
Heaven repents of woe, men's thoughts begin to mend.
The royal troops descend like timely summer rain,
To sprinkle all your lands, revive the widowed's gain.
Do you not think of your forefathers' bitter plight,
The Jingkang disaster that left none in light?
Descendants grown, yet failing to repay the score,
As slaves to foes, they call themselves men evermore.
Where Heaven's spears point, let swift response arise,
To save you from the mire and purge your sinful guise.
Our emperor, kind and sage, frugal and devout,
Views people as his children, pities want and drought.
Now yield in loyalty, delay no more, I plead,
Join all within the seas in lasting joy indeed.