Lament For Phan Thanh Gian (19th Century Vietnamese Prime Minister) Poem by Phan Thanh gian

Wings of dragonfly adorn your helmet
Shoulders encrusted with claws of Imperial trust
Humble beginning ends with such mighty office
Second to none other than the Son of Heaven

West to East, North to South stormy seas converged
Age weighed you down, heavier still are your tasks
Prodded and probed by bayonets:
Country, King and subjects drenched in blood

Embarked on your fateful journey West to uncertain future
Your envoy to the City of Light was casted a dark spell
Concessions brought your Nation down to the endless path of shame
You served them your life to redeem the sins of ALL.