Once a ballad sang of the Lü clan's gate:
'A thousand from the Lü house stand in the hall.'
The noble lineage traces its source—
With reverence to Grand Duke Jiang of Qi.
Your uncle, the former Prince of the Commandery,
Ranked with Zhang, Han, Liu, Yue in fame.
A hundred battles shielding his generals,
Changed his name to 'Martial Loyalty.'
Martial Loyalty's brothers, a flourishing grove,
All bear the distant ancestor's grace.
Guarding the frontier with axe and halberd,
His awe-inspiring might truly like a non-bear.
Descendants number in the hundreds,
Each one a hero in his own right.
Each one endowed with wisdom,
Each one clear-minded and astute.
The present governor of Sanqu,
Is especially bright and keen.
Sword gleam pierces the Dipper at night,
Jade aura spans the rainbow by day.
Loving scholars by innate nature,
His cups ever full, never empty.
The people cherish him, officials quake;
For all things he achieves great merit.
Post-horses gallop across the Central Plain,
With steadfast diligence, a servant to the throne.
Northward, summer clouds blaze crimson;
Southward return, spring flowers blush red.
Slaughter beasts, set out minced fish and dried meat,
By chance we meet east of Lonely Hill.
Thinking of this disciple at your gate,
In a humble lane content with steadfast poverty.
Recently, when all you worthies gathered,
Long robes woven of deepest green.
How could the Dragon-Tiger Pavilion
House such a goose with drooping wings?
My lofty heart clings with deepest longing,
The evening scene passes all too swift.
I wish with but a turn of your hand,
To hang my wandering boat on the Western River.