秋兴八首 (四) Autumn Meditations (4)

闻 道 长 安 似 弈 棋

I've heard them say that Chang'an seems like in a game of chess,

百 年 世 事 不 胜 悲

A hundred years of world events have caused unbearable pain.

王 侯 第 宅 皆 新 主

The palaces of the noblemen all have their new masters,

文 武 衣 冠 异 昔 时

Civil and military dress and caps are not like those before.

直 北 关 山 金 鼓 振

Straight north over mountain passes, gongs and drums ring out,

征 西 车 马 羽 书 迟

Conquering the west, carts and horses, feather-hurried dispatches.

鱼 龙 寂 寞 秋 江 冷

The fish and dragons are still and silent, the autumn river cold,

故 国 平 居 有 所 思

A peaceful life in my homeland always in my thoughts.