Vast and boundless, it holds Wu and controls Yue,
Silver waves crash against the green mountains, making them seem to frown.
Even in clear weather, thunder rumbles from the water's depths,
Where whales and leviathans gather their kin by its might.
The great ones are dragons, the small ones are clams,
Their emitted light aspires to rival the sun and moon.
The earth's fabric splits at night, the frosty mirror dries,
Spray flies against the mountains, turning heaven and earth white.
Though cunning bait is cast again and again, they refuse to bite,
Clouds and mist beget their offspring, generation upon generation.
They shake mountains and swallow boats, displaying immense power,
The sun and moon have fallen, yet their torchfire is revered.
Yesterday I heard fishermen plotting against their kind,
Setting nets and traps all along the riverbanks.
They drain the lake with potions till its flow ceases,
Exhausting all cunning and skill—where can they flee?
The dragon's sons and shrimp's grandsons weep like rain,
Sunken tigers and swimming deer lament in silent despair.
Alas, where is the spirit of the River God now?
Drums summon a market crowd, and thus it is done.
Among them, the great fish holds the most divinity,
At night it enters the deep palace, approaching the Purple Imperial Abode.
It comes from the drained marsh, defying the Emperor's will,
Bringing a vast, new rain and dew to heaven and earth.
For endless ages, they praise your lordly grace,
Where crocodiles and whales can no longer wield their might.
The Yanjin waters flood the wilds, drinking from the great marsh,
Fish dwell peacefully below, birds soar freely in the sky.
Have you not seen—burning rhinoceros horns and swallows chill the water tribes,
Even in a foot of water, perilous waves often rise.
To teach the living and nurture them, kindness knows no bounds,
Why should the dried fish weep by the river's edge?