Star-essence dragon breeds vie in prancing,
Eyes of gold and purple radiance enhancing.
Once meeting this age of peace and rise,
They serve the emperor with chart in guise.
Our emperor's virtue embraces all lands,
Times are harmonious, music expands.
Past heard of nine dynasties' fame untold,
Today a hundred beasts dance, bold.
Imperial guards stand solemn with banners high,
Bells and vessels make the earth sigh.
Cloud-music startles the sun-spirit's ear,
Dew-tunes shake the heavenly steeds with fear.
Dust-flying, arrow-swift like qilin and dragon,
Treading light, chasing wind, a sudden revelation.
Bit in teeth, pulling iron, all wondrous and strange,
Adorned with carvings, a dazzling, colorful range.
Purple jade pendants chime by precious stirrups bright,
Green silk trappings with golden bridles alight.
Following song and drum, lightning-fast they start,
Chasing balls and swords, like a whirlwind they dart.
Postures gather, swirl, and swiftly turn,
Proudly poised, in sudden halt, they won't adjourn.
Their gleam rivals the white sun's descent,
Their aura holds up green mist, heaven-sent.
Gracefully circling, not yet done with their play,
Hooves suspended, steps stir the red dust's array.
Startled ducks, soaring herons, no match can they be,
Arching phoenix, turning simurgh, fall short, you see.
Fragrant herbs hang, cassia sways, scent fills the air,
Long neighs, sweat like blood, vanish into clouds fair.
Not shunning toil, they come from the eastern way,
Just to hear the Shao music night and day.
Between heaven's gates,
By the jade terrace's side,
Bathed in grace, they glow with pride.
Phoenixes clang,
Chariots in rows,
Adorned for state rites, as martial shows.
Filling the court, reaching the clouds on high,
Bearing the sun's use, feelings reach the sky.
Auspicious steeds carry for a thousand years,
Spirit attained, meeting heaven and earth's spheres.
The Great Change divines Southern Mountain's long life,
Together we rejoice in this sage-ruled time, free from strife.