Liu Yuxi's "The Fearless One's Tasks" 劉禹錫 明日長橋上 傾城看斬蛟 Poem by Frank Yue

ZHUANG SHI XING: "The Fearless One's Tasks"
- by LIU YUXI (772-842)
- Translated by Frank C Yue

Biting cold winds reverberated in the chilly suburb,
(While throughout the dark woods)fierce tiger's mighty roar was heard.
Slowly walking, O so slow, onto the burnt fallow fields,
With low growls, into the yellow grass, it vanished from view.

Galloping fast on his gallant steed, then came the brave one;
He stamp'd his stirrups, bent the jade bow as if hold'ng the Sun.
The tiger stood on hind legs, as he roared out a loud shout -
His sharp arrow, like a piercing spear, he at once shot out!

The light from the man-eater's eyes fell sudden like comet from th' sky;
The tree tops were stained red, for the beast's blood spurted so high.
The fierce beast's thick skin with striking stripes, his cushion shall be;
Its freshly-slaughtered meat would stock up his kitchen pantry.

The villagers were elated, rid of their greatest pest!
They cheered most loud, and to celebrate brought out their wine best.
Tomorrow, all the townsfolk will be out on the bridge long,
To watch how he shall kill the terrifying dragon strong.

【壯士行】唐 • 劉禹鍚

陰風振寒郊， 猛虎正咆哮。
徐行出燒地， 連吼入黃茆(芧) 。
壯士走馬去， 鐙前彎玉弰。
叱之使人立， 一發如鈹交。
悍睛忽星墮, 飛血濺林梢。
彪炳爲我席， 膻腥充我庖。
里中欣害除， 賀酒紛號呶。
明日長橋上, 傾城看斬蛟。