Lake Dongting spans seven hundred li,
Vast and mighty, it rivals the open sea.
Cloud-Dream Marsh opens its broad chest,
Mount Baling binds it like a throat compressed.
Eastward it gathers streams from every side,
In fifth and sixth months, its waters swell with pride.
It floats, a world adrift 'neath heaven's dome,
Leaning on the sky, its waves in restless foam.
I've traveled many seas, both far and near,
But never seen a lake so vast and clear.
The gorges seem but ribbons flowing down,
And islands like fine dust are scarcely shown.
In lofty autumn, mists are swept away,
Where sun and moon bathe on its shores by day.
How can we find the pearl, an inch in span,
That dims and brightens as the cycles ran?
A boundless dwelling for the dragon's might,
A murky den where fish and turtles hide.
From ancient times until this present day,
Who can tell what lies hidden in its sway?
Northward, the wind-filled sails to the pole-star steer,
Its waves set bounds to lands of the south, far and near.
The state, from southern cares forever free,
Presents its treasures in prosperity.
Mounts and streams are not the only peril here,
This lake assists the wise, both far and near.
I look down and smile at Sanmiao's foolish pride,
Who for a tyrant's cause were swept aside.
The world of travel feels so cramped and small,
Here, by chance, my eyes and ears enthrall.
A drizzling rain approaches with the breeze so clear,
A downpour washes off the summer's heat severe.
The frosty woods at dusk sigh, sparse and drear,
Lush fragrant grass now rests, the end of year.
This grand sight stirs the feelings in my heart,
I wish to sing, but choked emotions start.
The lonely music of Xuanyuan, gone without trace,
Its distant echoes lost through time and space.
The mournful soul of Emperor Yu, I deem,
Lies 'midst the Nine Peaks' towering, rugged seam.
And then I hear of Qu and Jia, those men of fame,
Each given a token of exile, a jade of blame.
The highest virtue never shall return,
Later kings decline, their virtues burn.
The endless waters southward ever flow,
My heart is heavy, filled with endless woe.
Though Lake Tai's depths are said to be profound,
They cannot quench my thirst for ancient ground.