“Poetic Tribute: Ancient Cypress at Kongming Temple”
Translation and Expansion of “Ancient Sentiment” by Li Qip
Ancient Sentiment
By Li Qip (Tang Dynasty)
A man’s duty is to serve the country,
From youth, roaming the lands of Youyan.
Victory in battles has always been a matter of course,
Men like him disdain their seven-foot height.
In combat, none dare to confront him,
His formidable presence like a hedgehog’s bristles.
Under the yellow clouds on the mountain, white clouds drift,
Until his duty is repaid, he cannot return.
A young woman of fifteen from Liaodong,
Skilled in playing the pipa and dancing.
Now, her tune on the Qiang flute,
Brings tears like rain to all our troops.
Expanded Explanation for American Readers
Li Qip’s poem “Ancient Sentiment” reflects on duty, valor, and the poignant contrast between battlefield heroism and the emotional impact of art. The poem uses vivid imagery and historical references to explore these themes.
Context and Meaning
Themes of Duty and Heroism:
The Duty of a Man: The poem begins by emphasizing the importance of serving one’s country. The speaker reflects on a soldier’s life, who has been involved in military campaigns from a young age. The reference to “Youyan” (幽燕) suggests a history of military valor and adventure in what is now Hebei and Liaoning.
Victory and Disdain for Life: The poem conveys that true warriors, who have proven their prowess in battle, often disregard their own lives. The “seven-foot height” symbolizes the average man’s stature, which such warriors do not value as they face the dangers of warfare.
Formidable Presence: The image of the warrior’s beard as “like a hedgehog’s bristles” paints a picture of someone who is both fierce and untouchable in battle. This metaphor highlights the soldier’s intimidating and heroic nature.
The Battlefield: The imagery of yellow dust and white clouds floating above the mountains represents the chaos of war and the ongoing struggle. The phrase “until his duty is repaid” indicates that he feels a deep sense of obligation to fulfill his mission before he can return home.
The Emotional Impact of Art:
The Young Woman’s Role: The poem shifts focus to a fifteen-year-old woman from Liaodong, known for her skill in playing the pipa (a traditional Chinese lute) and dancing. Her talent serves as a stark contrast to the harshness of war.
The Qiang Flute: Her performance on the Qiang flute, a traditional instrument of the Qiang people from the northwest, moves the soldiers deeply. The music brings a flood of emotions, illustrated by the image of tears falling like rain. This suggests that even amidst the trials of war, the beauty of art has a profound and touching impact.
Li Qip’s “Ancient Sentiment” explores the dichotomy between the valor of warriors and the touching power of art. The poem highlights the sacrifice of soldiers and the emotional resonance of music, bridging the gap between martial prowess and cultural expression. This expanded explanation helps American readers appreciate the poem’s historical context, vivid natural scenes, and underlying philosophical themes, making the ancient Chinese poem more accessible and resonant.