From cloud's edge, I long for the capital town
The imperial city seems within sight, looking down
At world's end, I gaze toward Yue Terrace afar
The sea route stretches, oh how distant they are!
In sixth month, the roc flew away on its quest
In three years, the auspicious pheasant came, manifest
The frontier's distant, bronze pillars emerge
Mountains perilous, stone gates surge
Since I left Chan and Luo rivers behind
On the journey, provisions I often find spent
Each morning, cold paths are many and steep
Each night, my travel robe feels thin, no sleep
With white tablets, I uphold court's decree
To the southern region, pacify tribes for all to see
Already expanding Heaven's shelter, vast and wide
And proclaiming the Emperor's grace, far and wide
The imperial grace overflows the outer zone
The awed folk sing of revival, newly grown
With calendar and rites, I serve the Son of Sky
At the altar grounds, this old man bows high
In my humble abode, I conceal strategies of war
Like Huang Shi, I lay aside tallies, peace to restore
Returning banners gather dragons and tigers, the fight done
Empty camps collect only crows under the sun
Sunset clears the misty air
Leaning high, I see lands like a belt, laid bare
Eastern Ou resists Yu Yue's might
The Southern Dipper overlooks Wu's site
Spring hues surround the border's rim
Flying blossoms emerge from wasteland, dim
Tribes in plant-fiber clothes gather like a heap
The long river makes wandering travelers weep
Wind rises where cassia blooms late
Clouds form over Cangwu at evening's gate
Departing ships moor by the clear river's side
Returning carriages speed toward the capital's wide stride
Robes and caps meet all southern tribes in accord
Tribute and treasures pile at the heavy pass, stored
Not learning the ways of golden-knife envoys of old
Vainly holding my precious sword, the tale is told.