The emperor once fled to Shu, in days of yore,
Eight steeds entered the vale, seven tired and sore.
Flesh torn, tendons cramped, hooves worn to the bone,
Seven steeds died, leaving the king alone.
Heaven wept as the sovereign met disgrace,
The rugged path was drenched in that embrace.
Through jagged rocks and withered grass they pressed,
How could they plunge into the underworld's unrest?
Zhu Ci's besieging troops were not withdrawn,
While Huai Guang's rebels chased them with the dawn.
Palace maids leaned on trees, their tears they shed,
Like silent herons, gazing overhead.
The groom then brought the steed named Cloud-Gazer near,
Its colors dull, by other horses' sneer.
It snorted fiercely, as if to convey,
Ears sharp, joints strong, a truly wondrous display.
The king, to test its heart, gave the command,
To saw its bones and ribs, a brutal stand.
Hooves poised, head square, a frame both broad and grand,
With haunches high and tail erect it'd stand.
The groom, afraid of blame, was filled with doubt,
This horse, though strong, had flaws that stood out.
It bit and tugged, the reins were hard to hold,
Often it leaped, the saddle uncontrolled.
With gloomy look and mournful cry, it pled,
To heaven's silent ear, its tale was spread.
A jade bridle was placed upon its head,
A golden bit within its mouth was led.
Only then did the king dare mount its back,
Like finding a true minister, long in lack.
Dragons leaped, fish fled, in startled dismay,
While common steeds lost color, turned to gray.
Seven sages lost, fate's wheel turned to ill,
Five giants strained, the road was narrow still.
On Tuotuo Mountain, axe-blades piled high,
Below Mount Qin, sharp stones did pierce the sky.
Five hundred miles to Zhenfu County they'd go,
Eighty-four turns on Green Hill Post, slow.
It burst like lightning, gleaming in its flight,
Surpassed the floating clouds, leaving no trace in sight.
When flat land came, the royal tent was spread,
With chariots and banners, a procession led.
Guides shone ahead, the steed at the fore,
Yan Zhen embraced its hooves, with a loud roar.
By the road, white-haired folk of Tianbao's reign,
Bowed to the steed, weeping in grief and pain.
All said, had Emperor Xuanzong possessed this steed,
He'd not have ridden a donkey in his need.
The mighty general Li, fierce and bold,
Took cities, killed bandits, a story told.
Heaven and earth turned round, the sun rose anew,
The emperor returned to his palace view.
With peace at court, the wars were set aside,
From hunts at dawn to evening ball, they'd ride.
Imperial steeds were led to troughs with care,
The king himself tried them in palace square.
The groom brought forth Cloud-Gazer once again,
Stubborn and broad, it caused the king much strain.
Its mane tossed high, its head too proud to bow,
Elbows outthrust, its neck refused to plow.
All loathed its awkward, unyielding pace,
Secretly, the royal stable cut its grace.
No silver saddle or embroidered cloth remained,
It lived out its days, by the trough constrained.
A proverb from Zou's time had warned before,
Don't boast of merit, and seek nothing more.
Climbing like Cloud-Gazer, a mountain's height,
On level ground, let Red Whistle take its flight.
In Chang'an's March, flowers drooped on the grass,
Beneath fruit trees, a purple steed did pass.
Officials warmed to Li's idle delight,
A hundred steeds grew fierce, Cloud-Gazer's light grew slight.
O Cloud-Gazer, your kind is rare and grand,
Your ancestor bore Xiang Yu, who ruled the land.
You now serve a sage, by fortune's hand,
From Ba and Yu to Qin, you made your stand.
With success achieved, retreat is heaven's way,
Why tread the dusty world until your dying day?
O Cloud-Gazer, use or disuse has its time,
Do not grieve for this fate of yours, sublime.