哀王孙的译文及注释
译文及注释：
Translation:
On the city walls of Chang'an there stands a white-headed crow
As night falls it flies into Yanqiu Gate and cries out.
This strange creature pecks incessantly at the grand official residence
Frightening the officials causing them to flee their homes to avoid the barbarians.
Xuanzong fled breaking his golden whip and exhausting nine horses
The imperial relatives and nobles couldn't keep up with him.
There was a young man wearing a jade pendant and coral around his waist
Poor thing he cried by the roadside until his voice became hoarse.
No matter how many questions were asked he refused to reveal his name
Only saying that he was living in hardship begging someone to take him as a servant.
For over a hundred days he has been fleeing through thorny bushes
His body covered in wounds and scars.
Most descendants of the Emperor Gaozu have high and straight noses
Compared to commoners the dragon's descendants naturally possess elegance.
While jackals and wolves proclaim themselves emperors in the city
The dragon's descendants are wandering in the wilderness.
Oh prince you must take care of yourself.
At the crossroads I dare not talk to you for long
I can only stand for a moment and tell you something important.
Last night the east wind brought a strong smell of blood
Many camels and horses arrived on the east side of Chang'an.
The northern army has always been skilled in warfare
Their former bravery has now turned into flowing water and falling flowers.
I heard in secret that the emperor has passed the throne to the crown prince
The Southern Chanyu sent envoys to pay tribute and the holy virtue has stabilized the world.
They all cut their faces requesting to avenge the humiliation on the front lines
You must keep your mouth shut to prevent the capture of spies.
Oh poor prince you must not neglect
The air of the Five Tombs is lush and the great Tang Dynasty has hope!
Annotations:
Yanqiu Gate: Xuanzong fled from here during the An Lushan Rebellion.
Golden whip broke: Refers to Xuanzong's whip breaking while he was riding his horse.
Nine horses: Refers to the emperor's horses.
Jade pendant: A precious ornament made of jade.
Corner: A corner or a secluded place.
Descendants of Emperor Gaozu: Refers to the descendants of Liu Bang the founder of the Han Dynasty. Here it refers to the descendants of the Han Dynasty in the Tang Dynasty.
High and straight: Refers to a high nose bridge.
Jackals and wolves in the city: Refers to An Lushan occupying Chang'an. City: Capital.
Dragon in the wilderness: Refers to Xuanzong fleeing to Shu.
By the crossroads: Near the main road. Crossroads: Main road.
In a moment: A short while.
East wind blows with a smell of blood: Refers to the An Lushan rebels massacring people.
Shuofang sentence: Refers to the Tang general Geshu Han defending Tongguan with 200000 troops resulting in a major defeat for the An Lushan rebels.