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A Song Sacrificed To Those Fallen

A Song Sacrificed to Those Fallen
Qu Yuan
Translated from the Chinese by Qin Xuelan
Armed with sharp dagger-axes, clad in solid armours;
Amidst clashing Chariots, they fought at close quarters.
The sun was dimmed by standards, the foes swarmed over like a cloud,
Despite arrows falling like showers, our warriors did themselves proud.
Our front has been taken, and our ranks already broken.
One steed has been killed, another stabbed by a weapon.
Wheels bogged and steeds reined, they cut off means of retreat.
With drumsticks of jade, the thundering drum they heavily beat.
Bitter combats over, everywhere are full of corpses of those fallen,
Such a sight even enraged all the august gods in heaven.
Out to battle they go, never have they expected to return alive.
Vast and vague is the champaign, thus nearly no way to survive.
Girded with a sharp sword and a powerful crossbow,
Though decapitated, they won't change their mind nor aim low.
They were indeed courageous and full of fighting power.
Steadfast to the end, each of them is an invincible tower.
Their spirit is undying, though their bodies are not immortal.
Their souls, soul of souls, are of no doubt to be eternal.

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