目录

序言

临江仙·滚滚长江东逝水

英雄露颖(第一回)

运筹决算(第一回)

何进之死(第三回)

赤兔马(第三回)

董贼潜怀(第四回)

嫩草绿凝烟(第四回)

少帝诀别歌(第四回)

唐妃诀别歌(第四回)

伍孚之死(第四回)

温酒斩华雄(第五回)

三英战吕布(第五回)

浣溪沙·貂蝉(第八回)

红牙催拍(第八回)

一点樱桃(第八回)

司徒妙算(第九回)

董卓之死(第九回)

蔡邕之死(第九回)

王允之死(第九回)

曹操奸雄(第十回)

咏史(一)(第十三回)

咏史(二)(第十四回)

辕门射戟(第十六回)

割发代首(第十七回)

陈宫之死(第十九回)

吕布之死(第十九回)

伤人饿虎(第十九回)

勉从虎穴(第二十一回)

顿开金锁走蛟龙(第二十一回)

袁术之死(第二十一回)

祢衡之死(第二十三回)

吉平之死(第二十三回)

董承之死(第二十四回)

丹心自是足千秋(第二十四回)

董妃之死(第二十四回)

老天何故纵奸雄(第二十四回)

威倾三国(第二十五回)

过关斩将(第二十七回)

古城聚义(第二十八回)

许客三人(第二十九回)

孙策之死(第二十九回)

许攸弃袁(第三十回)

独夫袁绍少机谋(第三十回)

沮授之死(第三十回)

田丰之死(第三十一回)

袁绍之死(第三十二回)

审配之死(第三十二回)

郭嘉之死(第三十三回)

天下英雄独使君(第三十四回)

题壁诗(第三十四回)

马跃檀溪(第三十四回)

徐庶荐贤(第三十六回)

赞徐母(第三十七回)

隆中歌(一)(第三十七回)

卧龙居处(第三十七回)

隆中歌(二)(第三十七回)

隆中歌(三)(第三十七回)

隆中歌(四)(第三十七回)

隆中歌(五)(第三十七回)

二访隆中(第三十七回)

春睡(第三十八回)

隆中决策(第三十八回)

诸葛出山(第三十八回)

南阳卧龙有大志(第三十八回)

徐氏复仇(第三十八回)

博望烧屯(第三十九回)

孔融之死(第四十回)

刘表之死(第四十回)

火烧新野(第四十回)

携民渡江(第四十一回)

糜夫人之死(第四十一回)

赵云救主(第四十一回)

赵云大战长坂坡(第四十一回)

刘备摔子(第四十二回)

张飞威震长坂坡(第四十二回)

铜雀台赋(第四十四回)

蒋干中计(第四十五回)

草船借箭(第四十六回)

连环计(第四十七回)

赤壁(第四十八回)

短歌行(第四十八回)

借东风(第四十九回)

火烧赤壁(第五十回)

东风有意便周郎(第五十回)

义释曹操(第五十回)

黄忠颂(第五十三回)

太史慈之死(第五十三回)

恨石(第五十四回)

甘露寺览胜(第五十四回)

驻马坡(第五十四回)

刘郎浦口号(第五十五回)

放言(第五十六回)

周瑜决策取荆州(第五十六回)

周瑜之死(第五十七回)

双雄难并(第五十七回)

马腾之死(第五十七回)

苗泽遭斩(第五十七回)

割须弃袍(第五十八回)

西川才子(第六十回)

王累之死(第六十回)

截江夺主赞赵云(第六十一回)

截江夺主赞张飞（第六十一回）

荀彧之死（第六十一回）

张松之死(第六十二回)

庞统之死(第六十三回)

严颜降蜀(第六十三回)

张飞取巴郡(第六十三回)

张任之死(第六十四回)

单刀赴会(第六十六回)

华歆收捕伏皇后(第六十六回)

赞管宁(第六十六回)

曹瞒凶残世所无(第六十六回)

杨松遭斩(第六十七回)

孙权逍遥津跃马(第六十七回)

百翎贯寨(第六十八回)

赞崔琰(第六十八回)

左慈戏曹(第六十九回)

赞管辂(第六十九回)

五臣死节(第六十九回)

赞黄忠(第七十一回)

子龙一身都是胆(第七十一回)

杨修之死(第七十二回)

水淹七军(第七十四回)

刮骨疗毒(第七十五回)

关羽之死(第七十七回)

士民争拜汉云长(第七十七回)

华佗之死(第七十八回)

三马同槽(第七十八回)

邺中歌(第七十八回)

于禁不忠(第七十九回)

斗牛图(第七十九回)

七步诗(第七十九回)

祖弼尽忠(第七十九回)

曹丕禅汉(第七十九回)

张飞之死(第八十一回)

黄忠之死(第八十三回)

甘宁之死(第八十三回)

又显江南陆逊高(第八十四回)

火烧连营(第八十四回)

赞傅彤(第八十四回)

赞程畿(第八十四回)

赞冯习、张南(第八十四回)

孙氏殉夫(第八十四回)

八阵图(第八十四回)

叹黄权(第八十五回)

刘备之死(第八十五回)

泸水(第八十八回)

大热(第八十九回)

酷热(第八十九回)

高士孟节(第八十九回)

诸葛拜井(第八十九回)

七擒孟获(第九十回)

赵云七十建奇功(第九十二回)

骂死王朗(第九十三回)

空城计(第九十五回)

失街亭(第九十六回)

赵云之死(第九十七回)

斩王双(第九十八回)

张苞之死(第九十九回)

木门道上射雄兵(第一百一回)

关兴之死(第一百二回)

木牛流马(第一百二回)

上方谷(第一百三回)

诸葛亮之死(第一百四回)

咏史(三)(第一百四回)

孔明庙赞(第一百四回)

死诸葛走生仲达(第一百四回)

魏延反骨(第一百五回)

蜀相(第一百五回)

咏怀古迹五首(五)(第一百五回)

夏侯有女义如山(第一百七回)

辛氏劝弟(第一百七回)

平原管辂相通神(第一百七回)

孙权之死(第一百八回)

妙算姜维不等闲(第一百九回)

司马杀后(第一百九回)

司马废主(第一百九回)

又见文鸯胆气高(第一百十回)

谁及于诠肯杀身(第一百十二回)

遗踪直欲继田横(第一百十二回)

孙謆废主(第一百十三回)

潜龙诗(第一百十四回)

杀济灭口(第一百十四回)

赞王经母子(第一百十四回)

夏侯霸之死(第一百十五回)

傅佥之死(第一百十六回)

灵佑蜀民(第一百十六回)

偷渡阴平(第一百十七回)

赞李氏(第一百十七回)

节义真堪继武侯(第一百十七回)

刘谌之死(第一百十八回)

后主出降(第一百十八回)

追思武侯(第一百十八回)

邓艾之死(第一百十九回)

钟会之死(第一百十九回)

姜维之死(第一百十九回)

乐不思蜀(第一百十九回)

赞张节(第一百十九回)

司马篡魏(第一百十九回)

凭吊羊祜(第一百二十回)

张悌之死(第一百二十回)

西塞山怀古(第一百二十回)

三国归晋(第一百二十回)

诗词索引

主要参考书目

序言

《三国演义》是我国古代最早也是最卓越的一部长篇章回体历史小说。作为一部累积型的创作，其文体可分成三种：准纪事本末体、准话本体及准笔记体。准纪事本末体与史书编撰的内容相近；准话本体与宋元白话故事小说相近；而准笔记体则增加注重小说事件的趣味，具有片断缀合的特点。这三种不同的文体和谐共存、相互协调，兼容儒、释、道三家，并分别承担着不同的叙事功能，终使《三国演义》成为历代深受人们喜爱的作品。

为长篇章回体小说，特别是历史小说提供叙事模式的是被王国维先生称作通俗小说之始祖的唐变文及宋元话本。唐变文及宋元话本认韵散相间、诗文结合为基本结构。这种散韵交错使用的手法，对成功刻画小说中的人物形象，以及描述事件起到不可忽视的补充作用，它不仅使小说语言生动活泼，富于变化，而且增添了作品的抒情成分，更加勾勒出人物神韵。尤其是经毛宗岗父子评改的《三国演义》，即毛本《三国演义》，秉承“尊刘贬曹、蜀正魏寇”的思想，全删或部分删剪原小说中的诗词，力求做到文气贯通，保持小说节奏的和谐统一。这些诗词对于塑造人物性格、推动情节发展、构建叙事视角及表现主题思想感情倾向发挥了不可替代的关键作用。

《三国演义》是中国的四大名著之一，在世界上也有广泛深远的影响。目前，据不完全统计，《三国演义》已被翻译成日、拉丁、英、法、德、荷、俄、波、越、朝、爱、泰、世界语等语言。其中最早的英译节译本为P.P Thoms译的The Death of the Celebrated Minister Tung-cho(《著名丞相董卓之死》)分别载于1820年版和1821年版《亚洲杂志》(AJ)，内容是《三国演义》第一回至第九回的节译。约一个世纪后，1925年在中国海关工作的英国人邓罗(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)推出《三国演义》第一个全译本，由上海别发洋行出版，书名为San Kuo Chih Yen I，or Romance of Three Kingdoms，此译本于1959年被美国塔特尔公司重印，并增加罗伊·安德鲁·米勒(Roy Andrew Miller)所作导言一篇，此后，该译本被多次重印；1991年，美国汉学家罗慕士(Moss Roberts)的全译本Three Kingdoms由加里福尼亚大学出版社出版，该译本于1994年由外文出版社在国内发行；2014年，我国上海华东师范大学教授虞苏美的全译本The Three Kingdoms由新加坡塔特尔公司出版发行，《三国演义》终于有了中国人的译本。需要说明的是，这三个译本基本是以毛本《三国演义》为底本进行翻译的，因而具有极强的可比性。同时，三全译本各有千秋，是研究《三国演义》英译的难得的绝佳材料。另外，第一个全译本与第三个全译本相隔90年，在这近一个世纪的时间内，语言的演变是必然的，所以从历时的角度可予以考察和分析。特别值得注意的是，三译本中，两个是外国学者翻译的，一个是中国教授翻译的，这样可以进行中外译者的对比研究，从而有助于深化研究的层次。需要强调的是，三译本中，除极个别外，译者对绝大部分诗词都进行了翻译，这为我们进行诗词翻译对比、鉴赏提供了坚实的基础。读者可从三种译文中窥见译者的翻译策略、翻译技巧，文化差异甚至意识形态等。

《〈三国演义〉诗词英译》共集诗、词、歌、赋等韵文204首，采用汉英对照的方式，以《三国演义》人民文学版中的诗词为汉语语料，以邓罗的译本、罗慕士的译本及虞苏美译本对应诗词为英语语料，按照上述顺序进行排列，并在对应的每一首完整诗词翻译后面分别标上C.H.Brewitt-Taylor，Moss Roberts及虞苏美的字样，以示区别。

刘克强

2015年1月于蒙自苦研斋

临江仙·滚滚长江东逝水

滚滚长江东逝水，浪花淘尽英雄。

是非成败转头空：青山依旧在，几度夕阳红。

白发渔樵江渚上，惯看秋月春风。

一壶浊酒喜相逢：古今多少事，都付笑谈中。

On and on the Great River rolls，racing east.

Of proud and gallant heroes its white-tops leave no trace，

As right and wrong，pride and fall turn all at once unreal.

Yet ever the green hills stay

To blaze in the west-waning day.

Fishers and woodsmen comb the river isles.

White-crowned，they've seen enough of spring and autumn tide

To make good company over the wine jar，

Where many a famed events

Provides their merriment.

(Moss Roberts)

英雄露颖(第一回)

英雄露颖在今朝，一试矛兮一试刀。

初出便将威力展，三分好把姓名标。

(1)

Two heroes new to war's alarms，

Ride boldly forth to try their arms.

Their doughty deeds three kingdoms tell

And poets sing how these befell.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Oh，what a day for gallantry unveiled!

One man proved his lance and one his blade.

In maiden trial their martial force was shown.

A thrice—torn land will see them gain renown.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Two heroes new to war's alarms，

Ride boldly forth to try their arms.

Their valiant deeds three kingdoms tell

And poets sing how these befell.

(虞苏美)

运筹决算(第一回)

运筹决算有神功，二虎还须逊一龙。

初出便能垂伟绩，自应分鼎在孤穷。

(1)

Tho'fierce as tigers soldiers be，

Battles are won by strategy.

A hero comes；he gains renown，

Already destined for a crown.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Seasoned plans and master moves；all's divinely done.

To one mighty dragon two tigers can't compare.

At his first trial what victories are won!

Poor orphan boy？The realm is his to share.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Tho'fierce as tigers soldiers be，

Battles are won by strategy.

A hero comes；he gains renown，

Already destined for a crown.

(虞苏美)

何进之死(第三回)

汉室倾危天数终，无谋何进作三公。

几番不听忠臣谏，难免宫中受剑锋。

(1)

Closing the days of the Hans，and the years of their rule were near spent

Stupid and tactless was Ho Chin，yet stood he highest in office；

Many were they who advised him，but he was deaf as he heard not：

Wherefore fell he a victim under the swords of the eunuchs.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The Han will fall，its star-told fate fulfilled，

With feckless He Jin counseling the king.

Deaf to honest words，he seals his doom：

Quartered in the queen's receiving room.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Closing the days of the Hans，and the years of their rule were near spent

Stupid and tactless was He Jin，yet stood he highest in office；

Many were those who advised him，but he was deaf as he heard not；

Therefore he fell a victim under the sharp swords of the eunuchs.

(虞苏美)

赤兔马(第三回)

奔腾千里荡尘埃，渡水登山紫雾开。

掣断丝缰摇玉辔，火龙飞下九天来。

(1)

Mark ye the steed swift and tireless，see the dust，spurned by his hoofs rising in clouds；

Now he swims the river，anon climbs the hill，rending the purple mist asun der；

Scornful he breaks the rein，shakes from his head the jewelled bridle；

He is as a fiery dragon descending from the highest heaven.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Tearing，lunging a thousand li，

behind，a duststorm starts；

Breasting rivers，scaling hills，

above，a dark mist parts.

He snaps his reins and shakes

his jeweled gear，

A fiery dragon diving down

from Heaven's upper tier.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The fine steed gallops a thousand li a day，kicking off dust as it goes；

It crosses rivers and climbs hills，dispersing the purple mist；

Now he breaks the rein and shakes the jade bridle；

Like a fiery dragon，he descends from the highest heaven.

(虞苏美)

董贼潜怀(第四回)

董贼潜怀废立图，汉家宗社委丘墟。

满朝臣宰皆囊括，惟有丁公是丈夫。

(1)

The rebel Tung conceived the foul design

To thrust the King aside and wrong his line.

With folded arms the courtiers stood，save one

Ting Kuan，who dared to cry that wrong was done.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The traitor's plot to change a sovereign

Would soon consign to dust the shrines of Han.

A courtful of courtiers helpless in Dong Zhuo's hand，

And no one but Ding Guan to take a stand!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The rebel Dong conceived the foul design，

To thrust the King aside and wrong Han's line.

With indifference the courtiers stood，save one

Ding Guan who dared to cry that wrong was done.

(虞苏美)

嫩草绿凝烟(第四回)

嫩草绿凝烟，袅袅双飞燕。

洛水一条青，陌上人称羡。

远望碧云深，是吾旧宫殿。

何人仗忠义，泄我心中怨!

(1)

Spring!and the green of the tender grass，

Flushes with joy as the swallows pass；

The wayfarers pause by the rippling stream，

And their eyes with new born gladness gleam；

With lingering gaze the roofs I see

Of the palace that one time sheltered me.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Fresh vernal grasses tint the morning haze；

Homing swallows lace the sky in pairs；

The River Luo，a stretch of darker green—

People cry in wonder at the scene.

But out beyond the depths of younder clouds

Stand palaces and courts that once were ours.

Who will stand for loyalty，take honor's part，

And ease the heavy wrongs upon my heart？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Green in the mist grows the tender grass，

Graceful and gentle do the swallows dance.

Clear is the water in the rippling stream

Which travelers praise when they softly pass.

With lingering gaze the roofs I see，

Of the palace that once sheltered me.

May someone with a noble mind

Help me vent the grievance in my heart.

(虞苏美)

少帝诀别歌(第四回)

天地易兮日月翻，弃万乘兮退守藩。

为臣逼兮命不久，大势去兮空泪潸!

(1)

The heaven and earth are changed alas!the sun and the moon leave the courses，

I，once the centre of all eyes，am driven to the farthest confines.

Oppressed by an arrogant minister my life nears its end，

Everything fails me and vain are my falling tears.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Earth tops Heaven；sun and moon change place.

Once I had a kingdom；now，a border town.

Robbed of life；by subjects overthrown.

All is lost；tears in vain flow on.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Oh，Heaven and Earth change places，the sun and the moon leave their courses，

I，deprived of my empire，am driven to the farthest confines.

Oppressed by a vicious minister，my life nears its end，

Everything fails me and in vain my tears fall.

(虞苏美)

唐妃诀别歌(第四回)

皇天将崩兮后土颓，身为帝姬兮命不随。

生死异路兮从此毕，奈何茕速兮心中悲!

(1)

Heaven is to be rent asunder，Mother Earth to fall away；

I，handmaid of an Emperor，would grieve if I followed him not.

We have come to the parting of ways，the quick and the dead walk not together；

Alas!I am left alone with the grief in my heart.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Majestic Heaven falls；mother earth sinks down.

Given in marriage，I follow where he goes.

Two different paths—life and death—here part.

So swift the course，and sorrow—filled my heart.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Heaven is to be rent asunder，Earth to fall away，

I，having served an emperor，would grieve if I followed him not.

We are fated to part for the quick and the dead do not cross in their ways

Alas，I am left alone with grief in my heart.

(虞苏美)

伍孚之死(第四回)

汉末忠臣说伍孚，冲天豪气世间无。

朝堂杀贼名犹在，万古堪称大丈夫!

(1)

Men praise Wu Fou，that loyal servant of the latter days of Han.

His valour was high as the Heavens，in all ages unequalled；

In the court itself would he slay the rebel，great is his fame!

Throughout all time will men call him a hero.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

If you must tell of loyalty，

Tell of Wu Fu's to the Han.

His courage mounted to the skies

When down below was none.

He struck at Dong Zhuo in the court；

His fame is with us still.

Forever and ever he's won the name

Of a man of iron will.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Men praise Wu Fu，that loyal servant of the latter days of Han.

His valor was high as the Heavens，in all ages unequaled；

In court itself would he slay the tyrant，so great is his fame!

Throughout all time will men call him a hero.

(虞苏美)

温酒斩华雄(第五回)

威镇乾坤第一功，辕门画鼓响冬冬。

云长停盏施英勇，酒尚温时斩华雄。

(1)

The power of the man stands first in all the world；

At the gate of the camp was heard the rolling of the battle drums；

Then Yün-ch'ang set aside the wine cup till he should have displayed his val our，

And the wine was still warm when the enemy had been slain.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

His might sufficed to hold in place

the flames of sky and land.

The painted war drums charged the air

at the chieftains'field command.

The hero put the cup aside

to slake his combat lust：

Before the wine had time to cool，

Hua Xiong lay in the dust.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The most brilliant deed shook the world far and wide，

At the gate of the camp was heard the rolling of the battle drums.

Guan Yu set aside the wine cup till his valor was displayed，

And the wine was still warm when the enemy was slain.

(虞苏美)

三英战吕布(第五回)

汉朝天数当桓灵，炎炎红日将西倾。

奸臣董卓废少帝，刘协懦弱魂梦惊。

曹操传檄告天下，诸侯奋怒皆兴兵。

议立袁绍作盟主，誓扶王室定太平。

温侯吕布世无比，雄才四海夸英伟。

护躯银铠砌龙鳞，束发金冠簪雉尾。

参差宝带兽平吞，错落锦袍飞凤起。

龙驹跳踏起天风，画戟荧煌射秋水。

出关搦战谁敢当？诸侯胆裂心惶惶。

踊出燕人张翼德，手持蛇矛丈八枪。

虎须倒竖翻金线，环眼圆睁起电光。

酣战未能分胜败，阵前恼起关云长。

青龙宝刀灿霜雪，鹦鹉战袍飞蛱蝶。

马蹄到处鬼神嚎，目前一怒应流血。

枭雄玄德掣双锋，抖擞天威施勇烈。

三人围绕战多时，遮拦架隔无休歇。

喊声震动天地翻，杀气迷漫牛斗寒。

吕布力穷寻走路，遥望家山拍马还。

倒拖画杆方天戟，乱散销金五彩幡。

顿断绒绦走赤兔，翻身飞上虎牢关。

(1)

The fateful day of Han came in the reigns of Huan and Ling，

Their glory declined as the sun sinks at the close of day.

Tung Cho，infamous minister of state，pulled down the youthful sovereign from his throne.

It is true Liu Hsieh was a weakling，too timid for his times.

Then Ts'ao Ts'ao proclaimed abroad these wicked deeds，

And the great lords，moved with anger，assembled their forces.

In council met they and chose as their oath—chief Yüan Shao，

Pledged themselves to maintain the ruling house and tranquillity.

Of the warriors of that time peerless LüPu was the boldest.

His valour and prowess are sung by all within the four seas.

He clothed his body in silver armour like the scales of a dragon，

On his head was a golden headdress，fastened with a massive pin，

About his waist a shaggy belt，the clasp，two wild beasts'heads with gripping jaws，

His flowing，broidered robe fluttered about his form，

His swift courser bounded over the plain，a mighty wind following，

His terrible halberd flashed in the sunlight，bright as a placid lake.

Who dared face him as he rode forth to challenge？

The bowels of the confederate lords were torn with fear and their hearts trembled within them.

Then leaped forth Chang Fei，the valiant warrior of the north，

Gripped in his mighty hand the long snakelike spear，

His moustache bristled with anger，standing stiff like wire.

His round eyes glared，lightning flashes darted from them.

Neither quailed in the fight，but the issue was undecided.

Kuan Yün—ch'ang stood out in front，his soul vexed within him，

Black Dragon his sword shone white as hoar frost in the sunlight，

His bright coloured fighting robe fluttered like butterfly wings，

Demons and angels shrieked at the thunder of his horse hoofs，

In his eyes was fierce anger，a fire to be quenched only in blood.

Next Yüan—têjoined the battle，gripping his twin sword blades，

The heavens themselves trembled at the majesty of his wrath.

These three closely beset LüPu and long drawn out was the battle，

Always he warded their blows，never faltering a moment.

The noise of their shouting rose to the sky，and the earth re-echoed it，

The heat of battle ranged to the frozen pole star.

Worn out，feeling his strength fast ebbing，LüPu thought to flee，

He glanced at the hills around and thither would fly for shelter，

Then，reversing his halberd and lowering its lofty point，

Hastily he fled，loosing himself from the battle；

With head low bent，he gave the rein to his courser，

Turned his face away and fled to Hulaokuan.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The house of Han approached its Heaven-destined end；

Deep in the west its fiery sun had bent.

Dong Zhuo deposed the rightful Emperor

And filled the feeble prince with dreams of fear.

So Cao Cao sent his writ to all the lords，

Who summoned up ten thousand righteous swords，

Elected Yuan Shao to their league's command，

And swore to stay the house and calm the land.

Dong Zhuo's man，Lu Bu，warrior without peer，

Far surpassed the champions of his sphere：

In armor clad，a dragon etched in scales，

His headpiece fledged with gallant pheasant tails，

His jagged jade belt scored with lion jaws，

A phoenix spread in flight；his surcoat soars.

His chafing charger stirred a fearsome wind，

In every eye his halberd's piercing glint.

No lord could face his call to brave the field：

Their hearts went faint，their senses reeled.

Then Zhang Fei made his way into the list，

His giant snake-head lance fast in his fist.

His beard stuck out，defiant strands of wire；

The circles of his eyes shot angry fire.

They fought their fill.The contest undecided，

Before his line Lord Guan no more abided：

His dragon blade as dazzling as fresh snow，

His war coat，parrot-hued，aswirl below.

His pounding horse aroused the dead to howl.

Blood would flow before his dreadful scowl.

With double swords Xuande now joins the fight.

The crafty owl will show his zeal and might.

The brothers circle Lu Bu round and round.

He fends，he blocks，too skillful to be downed.

The hue and cry set sky and land ajar；

The bloodlust sent a shudder through the stars.

His power spent，Lu Bu found an out

And rode for safety to his own redoubt，

His mighty weapon trailing at his back，

His gilded five-hued streamers all awrack.

Riding hard，he snapped his horse's rein，

Hurtling up to Tigher Trap again.

(Moss Roberts)

浣溪沙·貂蝉(第八回)

原是昭阳宫里人，惊鸿宛转掌中身，只疑飞过洞庭春。

按彻《梁州》莲步稳，好花风袅一枝新，画堂香暖不胜春。

(1)

For a palace this maiden was born，

So timid，so graceful，so slender，

Like a tiny bird flitting at morn

O'er the dew-laden lily-buds tender.

Were this exquisite maid only mine，

For never a mansion I'd pine.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Like Flying—Swallow of Zhaoyang Palace，

The swan-sprite turns in an opened palm—

Is she fresh from Dongting's vernal lake？

Her graceful step keeps the Liangzhou air：

As the tender scent a flowering branch exhales

Fills the paneled room with springtime warmth.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

For a palace this maiden was born，

So graceful，so slender，and so shy.

Like a tiny bird flitting at morn

She dances to the music with style.

Fair as a flower that sways in the breeze，

She brings spring to the room warm and sweet.

(虞苏美)

红牙催拍(第八回)

红牙催拍燕飞忙，一片行云到画堂。

眉黛促成游子恨，脸容初断故人肠。

榆钱不买千金笑，柳带何须百宝妆。

舞罢隔帘偷目送，不知谁是楚襄王。

(1)

The music calls；the dancer comes，a swallow gliding in，

A dainty little damsel，light as air；

Her beauty captivates the guest yet saddens him within，

For he must soon depart and leave her there.

She smiles；no gold could buy that smile，no other smileth so，

No need to deck her form with jewels rare，

But when this dance is over and coy glances come and go，

Then who shall be the chosen the fair？

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

To the quickening beat the swallow now takes wing，

Reaching the gorgeous room still trailing mist：

Those black brows caused the rover's heart to ache，

Those looks have pierced the souls of all who sued.

No elmseed coin could buy those golden smiles；

No gem or jewel need gild her willow waist.

Now done and screened again，she glances to discover

Who next will play the goddess's royal lover.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The music calls；the dancer comes，a swallow gliding in，

A dainty little damsel，light as air；

Her beauty captivates the guest yet saddens him within，

For he must soon depart and leave her there.

No amount of money could buy her smile，

No need to deck her form with jewels rare，

But when the dance is over and coy glances come and go，

Then who shall be the chosen of the fair？

(虞苏美)

一点樱桃(第八回)

一点樱桃启绛唇，两行碎玉喷《阳春》。

丁香舌吐!钢剑，要斩奸邪乱国臣。

(1)

You stand，a dainty maiden，

Your cherry lips so bright，

Your teeth so pearly white，

Your fragrant breath love—laden；

Yet is your tongue a sword；

Cold death is the reward

Of loving thee，O maiden.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Her parting lips were like the cherry bud.

Across two rows of jade an air of spring flowed forth.

But her clove—sweet tongue proved a steely sword

That put to death a base，betraying lord.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

You stand，a dainty maiden，

Your cherry lips so bright，

Your teeth so pearly white，

Your fragrant breath love—laden；

Yet is your tongue a sword；

Cold death is the reward

Of loving you，oh maiden.

(虞苏美)

司徒妙算(第九回)

司徒妙算托红裙，不用干戈不用兵。

三战虎牢徒费力，凯歌却奏凤仪亭。

(1)

Just introduce a woman，

Conspiracies succeed；

Of soldiers，or their weapons，

There really is no need.

They fought their bloody battles，

And doughty deeds were done；

But in a garden summer house

The victory was won.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Wang Yun staked the empire's fate

on a gentle maiden's charm.

Spear and shield were set aside，

no soldier came to harm.

In the fray at Tiger Pass

three heroes fought in vain.

Instead the victory song was sung

at Phoenix Pavilion.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Just introduce a woman，

Conspiracies succeed；

Of soldiers，or their weapons，

There really is no need.

Three times they fought at Hulao Pass，

And in vain doughty deeds were done；

But in a garden summer house，

The victory was won.

(虞苏美)

董卓之死(第九回)

霸业成时为帝王，不成且作富家郎。

谁知天意无私曲，郿坞方成已灭亡。

(1)

Await the time，O noble，and be king，

Or failing，reap the solace riches bring；

Heaven n'er is partial，but severely just，

Meiwu stood strong yet now it lies in dust.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Success would have placed him on the throne itself；

Failing that，he meant to have an easy life of wealth.

What he forgot is that the gods ordain a path so strict：

His palace newly done，his enterprise lay wrecked.

(Moss Roberts)

蔡邕之死(第九回)

董卓专权肆不仁，侍中何自竟亡身？

当时诸葛隆中卧，安肯轻身事乱臣。

(1)

Tung the harsh dictator，

Tyrannised the State，

Fell and his sole mourner

Shared his direful fate.

Chuko in seclusion

Was content to dream，

Felt his worth and never

Helped a traitor's scheme.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Power was Dong Zhuo's means to tyranny；

And Cai Yong's death，his own ignominy.

Kongming lay low in Longzhong and every hero weighed.

Would he waste his talents on a renegade？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Dong Zhuo，the cruel dictator，

Tyrannized the state，

Fell and his sole mourner

Shared his direful fate.

But Zhuge Liang the sage

Content to live unknown.

Ne'er would he stain his name

To help a tyrant's reign.

(虞苏美)

王允之死(第九回)

王允运机筹，奸臣董卓休。

心怀家国恨，眉锁庙堂忧。

英气连霄汉，忠诚贯斗牛。

至今魂与魄，犹绕凤凰楼。

(1)

Moved by the people's sufferings，

Vexed at his prince's grief，

Wang Yün compassed the traitor's death，

That they might find relief.

Every one knows him a hero，

Leal to the State alway：

Living he guarded the princely towers，

His soul keeps guard today.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Wang Yuan spun an artful scheme

That ended Dong Zhuo's evil dream.

His heart ached for the ruling line，

His brow was knitted for its shrine.

His noble spirit reached the skies，

His heart has joined the guiding stars.

Down below his souls remain

And haunt the Phoenix Pavilion.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Moved by the people's sufferings，

Vexed at his prince's grief，

Wang Yun compassed the tyrant's death

That they might find relief.

His courage to all was known，

His loyalty across the land spread，

Dead though he is，his noble soul

Keeps guard at the tower today.

(虞苏美)

曹操奸雄(第十回)

曹操奸雄世所夸，曾将吕氏杀全家。

如今阖户逢人杀，天理循环报不差。

(1)

Ts'ao Ts'ao，whom，the ages praise，

Slew the Lüs in former days；

Nemesis ne'er turns aside，

Murdered too his family died.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Cao Cao in all his vaunted cunning，

Slew his hosts and kept on running.

Now that his whole clan's been slain，

The scales of Heaven are level again.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Cao Cao，whom the ages praise，

Slew the Lus in former days.

Nemesis ne'er turns aside，

Murdered，too，his family died.

(虞苏美)

咏史(一)(第十三回)

光武中兴兴汉世，上下相承十二帝。

桓灵无道宗社堕，阉臣擅权为叔季。

无谋何进作三公，欲除社鼠招奸雄。

豺獭虽驱虎狼入，西州逆竖生淫凶。

王允赤心托红粉，致令董吕成矛盾。

渠魁殄灭天下宁，谁知李郭心怀愤。

神州荆棘争奈何，六宫饥馑愁干戈。

人心既离天命去，英雄割据分山河。

后王规此存兢业，莫把金瓯等闲缺。

生灵糜烂肝脑涂，剩水残山多怨血。

我观遗史不胜悲，今古茫茫叹《黍离》。

人君当守苞桑戒，太阿谁执全纲维。

(1)

Slowly the Hans had declined but renewed their vigour with Kuang-Wu，

Twelve were the rulers before him，followed him also twelve others.

Foolish were two of the latest，dangers surrounded the altars，

These were degenerate days，with authority given to eunuchs.

Then did Ho Chin the simple，the inept，who commanded the army，

Warriors call to the capital，wishing to drive out the vermin；

Though they drove out the leopard，tigers and wolves quickly entered，

All kinds of evil were wrought by a low class creature from Hsichou.

Wang Yun，honest of heart，beguiled this wretch with a woman，

Much desired of his henchman，thus sowing seeds of dissension.

Strife resulted，and peace no longer dwelt in the Empire.

No one suspected that Li and Kuo would continue the evil，

Much to the sorrow of China；yet they strove for a trifle.

Famine stalked in the palace，grief for the clashing of weapons；

Why did the warriors strive？Why was the land thus partitioned？

We had turned aside from the way appointed of Heaven.

Kings must ponder these things；heavy the burden lies on them，

Chiefest in all the realm theirs is no common appointment，

Should the King falter or fail，calamities fall on the people，

The Empire is drenched with their blood，grisly ruin surrounds them.

Steeped in sorrow and sad，read I the ancient records，

Long is the tale of years；the tale of sorrow is longer.

Wherefore he who would rule，chiefly must exercise forethought.

This and his keen—edged blade，these must suffice to maintain him.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The Later Han revived the line of Liu：

Twelve sovereigns in succession ruled the realm.

But Huan and Ling—the downfall of their shrines—

Let their eunuchs rule and doomed the house.

Feckless He Jin，raised to guide the state，

Called tigers into court to clear the rats.

Vicious vermin out!Savage killers in!

Then Zhuo，the western rebel，spread new bane.

But loyal Wang Yun deployed a subtle maid，

Who turned Lu Bu against his master Zhuo.

Dong Zhuo cut down，the realm again knew peace，

Till Li Jue and Guo Si avenged their lord

And plunged our hallowed realm in misery.

Their civil strife brought king and queen to grief.

Allegiance broken，Heaven's Mandate failed：

Ambitious heroes carved our hills and streams.

Let every future king keep vigil keen

For our nation's precious harmony，

Lest living souls be ground into the earth

And stain our soil with blood unjustly shed.

To read these pages must break every heart，

As men once sighed for great Zhou's glory gone.

They warn the prince to stabilize his rule，

And watch who holds the sword that guards the laws.

(Moss Roberts)

咏史(二)(第十四回)

血流芒砀白蛇亡，赤帜纵横游四方。

秦鹿逐翻兴社稷，楚骓推倒立封疆。

天子懦弱奸邪起，气色凋零盗贼狂。

看到两京遭难处，铁人无泪也凄惶!

(1)

Mortally wounded，the serpent poured forth his life blood at Mantang；

Blood—red pennons of war waved then in every quarter，

Chieftain with chieftain strove and raided each other's orders，

'Midst the turmoil and strife the Kingship even was threatened.

Wickedness stalks in a country when the King is a weakling，

Brigandage always is rife，when a dynasty's failing，

Had one a heart of iron，wholly devoid of feeling，

Yet would one surely grieve at the sight of such desolation.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Slain by Liu in the Mang—Dang Hills，

The white snake bled；

The fire—red flag triumphant

Toured the realm of Han.

They chased and downed the deer of Qin

To raise a newer shrine；

They brought Chu's warrior steed to earth

To mark the limes of Han.

If the Son of Heaven has no power，

Vice and error rise.

Once his prime is past，

Crime and treason thrive.

Two cities lie in rain，

Luoyang and Chang'an：

Even tearless men of iron

Cannot but despond.

(Moss Roberts)

辕门射戟(第十六回)

温侯神射世间稀，曾向辕门独解危。

落日果然欺后羿，号猿直欲胜由基。

虎筋弦响弓开处，雕羽翎飞箭到时。

豹子尾摇穿画戟，雄兵十万脱征衣。

(1)

OLüwas a wonderful archer，

And the arrow he shot sped straight；

By hitting the mark he saved his friend

That day at his yamên gate.

Hou I，the archer of ancient days，

Brought down each mocking sun，

And the apes that gibbered to fright Yuchi

Were slain by him，one by one.

But we sing of LüPu that drew the bow，

And his feathered shaft that flew；

For a myriad men could doff their mail

When he hit the mark so true.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

With an immortal shot，one rarely seen on earth，

LüBu saved the day at the war camp gates：

A marksman to shame Hou Yi，downer of nine suns，

And bidding fair to outclass Yang Youji.

Tiger—thewed，he drew till the bowstring groaned.

Hawk—feathered，the flying dart struck home.

The leopard—tail quivered on the halberd haft：

One hundred thousand men untied their gear？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Oh，Lu Bu was a wonderful archer，

And the arrow he shot sped straight；

By hitting the mark he saved his friend

That day at his camp's gate.

Hou Yi，the archer of ancient days，

Brought down each mocking sun；

And the apes that gibbered to frighten

Were shot by You Ji，one by one.

But we sing of Lu Bu that drew the bow，

And his feathered shaft that flew；

For a myriad men could doff their mail

When he hit the mark so true.

(虞苏美)

割发代首(第十七回)

十万貔貅十万心，一人号令众难禁。

拔刀割发权为首，方见曹瞒诈术深。

(1)

A myriad soldiers march along and all are brave and bold，

And their myriad inclinations by one leader are controlled.

That crafty leader shore his locks when forfeit was his head，

O full lof guile wert thou，Ts'ao Ts'ao，as every one has said.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Ten myriad silver wolves，ten myriad warrior hearts—

Can one man's voiced command rule this vast army？

He sheared his locks in lieu of his own head.

The depths of Cao Man's craft are plain to see.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

A myriad soldiers march along and all are brave and bold，

And their myriad inclinations by one leader are controlled.

That crafty leader shore his locks when forfeit was his head，

Oh full of schemes wert thou，Cao Cao，as every one has said.

(虞苏美)

陈宫之死(第十九回)

生死无二志，丈夫何壮哉!

不从金石论，空负栋梁材。

辅主真堪敬，辞亲实可哀。

白门身死日，谁肯似公台!

(1)

Neither hope of life nor fear of death moved him.

How brave was he，a hero indeed!

But his lord heeded not his words，

Wherefore in vain possessed he great talents.

Nevertheless，in that he stood by his master，

To parting with wife and mother，

He merits our pity and profound respect.

Who would not resemble Kung-t'ai

That day he died at the White Gate？

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

In life，in death，an undivided will—

A hero staunch and doughty!

But only to a lord of rarest worth

Should a vassal pledge his fealty.

All homage for upholding his liege lord.

We sorrow as he bids his kin farewell.

At White Gate Tower he met his death unbowed：

The conduct of Chen Gong none can excel.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Neither in life nor in death did he yield.

How dauntless was he，a hero indeed!

But his lord heeded not his words，

In vain he possessed great talents.

His loyalty deserves our respect

And his loss to his family our pity.

Who could be as brave as he was

That day he died at the White Gate？

(虞苏美)

吕布之死(第十九回)

洪水滔滔淹下邳，当年吕布受擒时：

空余赤兔马千里，漫有方天戟一枝。

缚虎望宽今太懦，养鹰休饱昔无疑。

恋妻不纳陈宫谏，枉骂无恩大耳儿。

(1)

The flood spreads wide，the city drowns，

Its lord is captive.Nought avails

His courser's speed or halberd's thrust.

The tiger erstwhile fierce，now whines

For mercy.Ts'ao had meted him

Full well，a falcon flown at will

And hungry kept.Poor fool!He let

Ch'ên Kung's advice be overborne

By harem tattle；vainly now

He rails against the Long-eared Childe.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The flood tide surged and swamped his last stronghold；

His own men led him bound before his foes.

What use now，his thousand-li steed？

And where was his many—bladed halberd？

Coward now，the tiger looks for mercy：

Never give the hunting hawk its fill."

Fooled by Cao's words，woman—doting，

Spurning Chen Gong's warning plea—

What right had he to blame

The long-ear'd one's bad faith？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The flood spreads wide，the city drowns，

The day its lord is made captive，

Leaving aside his steed of a thousand li a day

And his powerful halberd that scares everyone away.

The tiger erstwhile so fierce and so proud，

Now whines meekly for mercy to be shown.

Little did he doubt of the traitor's words

Of a falcon flown at will and hungry kept.

Unable to resist the tearful plea of his wife

Poor fool!He ignored Chen Gong's wise advice.

In vain he now rails against the long-eared Liu Bei

For his lack of gratitude and faith.

(虞苏美)

伤人饿虎(第十九回)

伤人饿虎缚休宽，董卓丁原血未干。

玄德既知能啖父，争如留取害曹瞒？

(1)

Bound is the hungry tiger，eater of men，for whom is no pity，

Since the blood of his victims is fresh and not yet dry.

Yüan—têspoke no word in favour of LüPu，

To whom even a father's life was not sacred.

How could he save him to be a menace to Ts'ao Man.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

No mercy for the tiger when he's tied：

Of Yuan and Zhuo the bloody memory's fresh.

Though，why not spare Bu as a"son"for Cao，

Knowing of his taste for father—flesh!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Bound tightly is the hungry tiger，eater of men，

Since the blood of his victims is fresh and not yet dry.

Liu Bei spoke no word in favor of Lu Bu，

To whom even a father's life was not sacred.

How could he save him to be a menace to Cao Cao？

(虞苏美)

勉从虎穴(第二十一回)

勉从虎穴暂趋身，说破英雄惊杀人。

巧借闻雷来掩饰，随机应变信如神。

(1)

Constrained to lodge in a tiger's lair，

He played a waiting part，

But when Ts'ao talked of breaking men，

Then terror gripped his heart.

But he cleverly used the thunder peal

As excuse for turning pale；

O quick to seize occasions thus!

He surely must prevail.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Xuande sheltered in the tiger's lair：

Cao betrayed two names that made him quake.

He seizes on the thunder as the cause—

A perfect ploy negotiates the pause.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Constrained to lodge in a tiger's lair.

He played a waiting part.

But when Cao disclosed the real heroes

Then terror gripped his heart.

But he cleverly used the thunder peal

As excuse for turning pale.

Oh，quick to seize occasions thus!

He surely must prevail.

(虞苏美)

顿开金锁走蛟龙(第二十一回)

束兵秣马去匆匆，心念天言衣带中。

撞破铁笼逃虎豹，顿开金锁走蛟龙。

(1)

He took his arms，he fed his steed，

And fared forth willingly，

Intent to accomplish his King's behest

Deep graved on his memory.

At least he had broken out of his cage，

He heard not the tiger's roar，

He had shaken the shackles from his feet，

As a dragon on high could soar.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The soldiers packed，the horses fed，the hero dashed away；

But ever sacred to his mind was what Xian had decreed.

He broke from an iron cage，a tiger loose again；

He sprung the metal lock，a dragon newly freed.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He fed the horses，disciplined his men，

And marched forth in a hurry，

Intent to accomplish his King's behest

Deeply engrained in his memory.

At last he had escaped from confinement，

Like a tiger breaking loose from its cage.

He had shaken the shackles from his feet，

As a dragon soaring to heaven's gate.

(虞苏美)

袁术之死(第二十一回)

汉末刀兵起四方，无端袁术太猖狂，

不思累世为公相，便欲孤身作帝王。

强暴枉夸传国玺，骄奢妄说应天祥。

渴思蜜水无由得，独卧空床呕血亡。

(1)

The last days of Han approached and weapons clashed in every quarter，

The misguided Yüan Shu，lost to all sense of honour，

Forgetful of his forefathers，who had filled the State's highest Offices，

Madly aspired to become himself Emperor，

Resting his outrageous claim on the possession of The Seal，

And arrogantly boasting that thus he fulfilled the design of Heaven.

Alas!Sick unto death he vainly begged for a little honey—water；

He died，alone.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The end of Han saw all the realm in arms：

What grounds had Yuan Shu for his mad ambition？

From family high in service all these years，

He alone craved the royal throne.

Having seized the precious seal of state，

He claimed by Heaven's signs to be elected.

Denied a little honey at the end，

Alone he died，spitting blood，in bed.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The last days of Han approached and weapons clashed in every quarter，

The misguided Yuan Shu，lost all sense of honor，

Forgetful of his forefathers，who had filled the State's highest offices.

Madly aspired to make himself Emperor，

Resting his outrageous claim on the possession of The Seal，

And arrogantly boasting that thus he fulfilled the design of Heaven.

Alas!Sick unto death he vainly begged for a little honey water；

He died，alone on his empty bed.

(虞苏美)

祢衡之死(第二十三回)

黄祖才非长者俦，祢衡珠碎此江头。

今来鹦鹉洲边过，惟有无情碧水流。

(1)

Huang Tsu could brook no rival；at his word

Mi Hêng met death beneath the cruel sword.

His grave on Parrot Isle may yet be seen，

The river flowing past it，coldly green.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Huang Zu was not a man of charity；

Upon his shores Mi Heng died，yet worthily.

Now his body lies on Yingwu Isle：

Who visits，but the river flowing by？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Huang Zu could brook no rival；at his word

Mi Heng met death beneath the cruel sword.

His grave on Parrot Isle may yet be seen，

The river flowing past it，coldly green.

(虞苏美)

吉平之死(第二十三回)

汉朝无起色，医国有称平：

立誓除奸党，捐躯报圣明。

极刑词愈烈，惨死气如生。

十指淋漓处，千秋仰异名。

(1)

There lived in Han a simple leech.

No warrior，yet brave

Enough to risk his very life

His Emperor to save.

Alas!he failed；but lasting fame

Is his；he feared not death；

He cursed the traitorous Minister

Unto his latest breath.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The ailing court of Han in deep decline，

The court physician worked to save the crown.

Pledging to purge the traitor's clique，

He gave his life for the sacred throne.

Cruelly scourged，he spoke with stronger passion；

Through death's agony his spirit will live on：

For those ten bloody stumps，

A name revered across a thousand autumns.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

There lived in the sad days of Han

A brave doctor of the name Ji Ping

Who risked his very life His Emperor to save.

Alas!he failed，but lasting fame

Is his.He feared not death

And cursed the traitorous Minister.

To the last of his breath.

(虞苏美)

董承之死(第二十四回)

密诏传衣带，天言出禁门。

当年曾救驾，此日更承恩。

忧国成心疾，除奸入梦魂。

忠贞千古在，成败复谁论。

(1)

A secret decree in a girdle sewn，

In red blood written，the Emperor's own，

To the staunch and faithful Tung addressed，

Who had saved him once when enemies pressed，

And who，sore grieved at his Sovereign's fate，

Expressed in dreams his ceaseless hate，

Carried misfortune and death in its train

But glory to him who died in vain.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

By secret edict sewn into his sash，

He bore the word of Heaven through the gate.

This man，who guarded once the fleeing king，

Had earned again his sovereign's gratitude.

In anguish for the safety of the throne，

Kill the traitor!"filled his dreaming soul.

Loyalty in memoriam a thousand ages hence—

Success or failure？Loyalty past all doubt!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

A secret decree in a girdle sewn，

In red blood written，the Emperor's own，

To the staunch and faithful Dong addressed，

Who had saved him once when enemies pressed，

And who，sore grieved at his sovereign's fate，

Expressed in dreams his ceaseless hate.

Speak not that he had failed

For his glory remained.

(虞苏美)

丹心自是足千秋(第二十四回)

书名尺素矢忠谋，慷慨思将君父酬。

赤胆可怜捐百口，丹心自是足千秋。

(1)

Greatheartedly these signed the silken roll，

And pledged themselves to save their King from shame.

Alas!black death of them took heavy toll，

To write their names upon the roll of fame.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Life and loyalty pledged on a foot—long silk；

They yearned to redeem the sovereign sire.

Mourn their sheer courage；hundreds fell.

Fire—tried hearts outlast a thousand autumns.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Undaunted they signed the silken roll，

And pledged themselves to save their King from shame.

Alas!black death of them took heavy toll，

To write their names upon the roll of fame.

(虞苏美)

董妃之死(第二十四回)

春殿承恩亦枉然，伤哉龙种并时捐。

堂堂帝主难相救，掩面徒看泪涌泉。

(1)

In vain had the fair girl found favour in the sight of her lord，

She died，and the fruit of her womb perished.

Stern and calm her lord sat，powerless to save，

Hiding his face while tears gushed forth.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The Majesty that graced her could not save her.

Grieve for the dragon seed aborted with her life.

The Royal One，stern and stately，lifted his hand

To screen from welling eyes his undefended wife.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

In vain had the fair girl found favor in the sight of her lord，

She died，and the fruit of her womb perished.

Heartbroken her lord sat，powerless to save，

Hiding his face while tears gushed forth.

(虞苏美)

老天何故纵奸雄(第二十四回)

吁嗟帝胄势孤穷，全仗分兵劫寨功。

争奈牙旗折有兆，老天何故纵奸雄？

(1)

Alas for the weakness of this descendant of kings!

He placed his faith on a night raid，

But the broken staff of a banner warned his enemy.

Why should the ancient of days favour the wicked？

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Alas for this scion of kings，isolate，outspent，

Staking his all on a night foray.

The broken—banner sign betrayed his plan.

Old Man Heaven!Why let that villain free？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Pity this descendant of Hans，

Who placed his faith on a night raid.

But the broken staff of a banner warned his enemy.

Why should Heaven favor the wicked？

(虞苏美)

威倾三国(第二十五回)

威倾三国着英豪，一宅分居义气高。

奸相枉将虚礼待，岂知关羽不降曹。

(1)

Fortune dealt a stunning blow，still he played his part；

Partitioning his dwelling proved his purity of heart.

The craft Minister desired to win him to his side，

But felt at failure was foredoomed however much he tried.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Upon a realm divided shines this hero's fame；

Staying by his sisters，he kept his honor clean.

The cunning chancellor showed false courtesy，

Little knowing Guan would never bend the knee.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

His fame spread far and wide in the days of the Three Kingdoms.

Dividing his dwelling proved the purity of his heart.

The crafty minister desired to win him to his side，

But felt that failure was foredoomed，however much he tried.

(虞苏美)

过关斩将(第二十七回)

挂印封金辞汉相，寻兄遥望远途还。

马骑赤兔行千里，刀偃青龙出五关。

忠义慨然冲宇宙，英雄从此震江山。

独行斩将应无敌，今古留题翰墨间。

(1)

His seal hung up，the treasury locked，his courtly mansion left，

He journeyed toward his brother dear，too long from his side reft.

The horse he rode was famed for speed as for endurance great，

His good sword made a way for him and opened every gate.

His loyalty and truth forth stand，a pattern unto all，

His valour would frighten rushing streams and make high mountains fall.

Alone he travelled lustily，twas death to meet his blade，

He has been themed by myriads，his glory ne'er will fade.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Nor rank nor gift could tempt Lord Guan to stay.

Seeking his brother by long and winding road，

He covered the ground on a thousand-li horse；

With dragon blade he took each pass by force.

He thrust loyalty and honor high into the spheres，

A manly model who kept the world in awe.

This single knight，before whom each foe fell，

Left the world a story that men will ever tell.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He hung up his seal，locked the gifts，his courtly mansion left，

He journeyed to join his brother dear，too long from his side reft.

The horse he rode was famed for speed as for endurance great，

His mighty sword made a way for him and opened every gate.

His loyalty and truth stand a model for all，

His valor is known across rivers and hills.

Alone he faced his opponents，t'was death to meet his blade，

His glory has been praised by scholars and ne'er will fade.

(虞苏美)

古城聚义(第二十八回)

当时手足似瓜分，信断音稀杳不闻。

今日君臣重聚义，正如龙虎会风云。

(1)

Scattered wide were the brothers，none knew another's retreat，

Joyfully now they foregather，dragon and tiger meet.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Like severed limbs，three brothers torn apart：

Doubtful news，scant word，a fading into silence.

But when the liege and liege men renewed their brother-tie，

Tiger winds joined dragon clouds，masters of the sky.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Scattered apart were the brothers，none knew another's retreat，

Joyfully now they reunite，dragon and tigers meet.

(虞苏美)

许客三人(第二十九回)

孙郎智勇冠江湄，射猎山中受困危。

许客三人能死义，杀身豫让未为奇。

(1)

O Sun Ts'êwas a warrior and a stranger he to fear，

But he was basely murdered while hunting of the deer.

Yet were they leal who slew him，to avenge a murdered lord，

Self immolated like Yü-jang，they dreaded not the sword.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Sun Ce，fearless cunning dynasty of the south，

Was trapped and scathed while hunting in the hills

By three bold knights who paid what honor owed"

Loyal in death，Yurang would have been proud.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

In all the east the bold Sun Ce was a man to fear

But he was attacked in the hills while hunting a deer.

Three loyal servants went to avenge a murdered lord，

Like the faithful Yu Rang they dreaded not the sword.

(虞苏美)

孙策之死(第二十九回)

独战东南地，人称小霸王。

运筹如虎踞，决策似鹰扬。

威镇三江靖，名闻四海香。

临终遗大事，专意属周郎。

(1)

Men called him first of the chieftains，

The east had felt his might，

He watched like a tiger crouching，

Struck as a haw in flight.

There was peace in the lands he ruled，

His fame ran with the wind，

But he died and left to another，

The great scheme in his mind.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

His triumphs in the land below the Jiang

Made men declare"Xiang Yu lives again!"

He had the cunning of a tiger set to lunge，

The decision of an eagle poised to plunge.

His dominion made the south secure

And carried his fair name across the realm.

He left behind an unfulfilled ambition

And charged Zhou Yu to bring it to fruition.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Men called him Formidable Little Lord，

The east had felt his might，

He schemed like a tiger in wait，

Struck as a hawk in flight.

There was peace in the land he ruled，

His fame ran with the wind，

But he died and left to his brother，

The great scheme in his mind.

(虞苏美)

许攸弃袁(第三十回)

本初豪气盖中华，官渡相持枉叹嗟。

若使许攸谋见用，山河争得属曹家。

(1)

Vainly now for chances lost

Yüan sighs；once he was great.

Had he taken Hsü's advice，

Ts'ao had not set up a State.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Yuan Shao's proud spirit towered o'er the realm.

How foolish to despair at the stalemate at Guandu!

If he had taken Xu You's sound advice，

How could Cao have made the north his prize？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Vainly now for chances lost

Yuan sighs；once he was great.

Had he taken Xu's advice，

Cao would not set up a state.

(虞苏美)

独夫袁绍少机谋(第三十回)

逆耳忠言反见仇，独夫袁绍少机谋。

乌巢粮尽根基拔，犹欲区区守冀州。

(1)

Blunt truth offended Yüan Shao，

Too stupid any plan to make，

His stores destroyed′tis evident

That Ch'ichou also is at stake.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Ju Shou's counsel earned his ruler's hate，

And Yuan Shao proved that he was tactics'fool.

He lost his grain，his base was sacked；

Still he hoped to hold Jizhou intact.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Blunt truth offended Yuan Shao，

Too stupid any plan to make，

His stores destroyed′tis evident

That Jizhou also is at stake.

(虞苏美)

沮授之死(第三十回)

河北多名士，忠贞推沮君：

凝眸知阵法，仰面识天文；

至死心如铁，临危气似云。

曹公钦义烈，特与建孤坟。

(1)

Chühonest was and virtuous，

The beat in Yuan's train，

From him the stars no secrets held，

In tactics all was plain.

For him no terrors had grim death，

Too lofty was his spirit，

His captor slew him，but his tomb

Bears witness to his merit.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Men of note abounded in the north：

"Loyalty uncompromised"made Ju Shou's fame.

His steady eye could gauge the turns of war.

His upturned gaze could read a moving star.

Iron-hearted to the very last；

His spirit facing death was light and free.

His splendid conduct led him to his doom；

Cao Cao in tribute raised a lonely tomb.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Honest and virtuous Ju was，

The best in Yuan's train，

From him the stars no secrets held，

In tactics all was plain.

For him no terrors had grim death，

Too lofty was his spirit，

His captor slew him，but his tomb

Bears witness to his merit.

(虞苏美)

田丰之死(第三十一回)

昨朝沮授军中失，今日田丰狱内亡。

河北栋梁皆折断，本初焉不丧家邦!

(1)

ChüShou but yesterday was killed，

T'ien ends his life his fate fulfilled；

Hopei's main beams break one by one，

Mourn ye that House!its day is done.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

First Ju Shou fell，a captive of the foe；

Then Tian Feng died，a prisoner of his lord.

Breaking thus the pillars of his state，

Yuan Shao sealed his northern country's fate.

Many grieved for Tian Feng.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Ju Shou but yesterday was killed，

Tian ends his life，his fate fulfilled；

Hebei's main beams break one by one，

Mourn ye that house!its day is done.

(虞苏美)

袁绍之死(第三十二回)

累世公卿立大名，少年意气自纵横。

空招俊杰三千客，漫有英雄百万兵。

羊质虎皮功不就，凤毛鸡胆事难成。

更怜一种伤心处，家难徒延两弟兄。

(1)

Born of a line of nobles famous for generations，

He himself in his youth was wayward always and headstrong，

Vainly he called to his side captains skilled and courageous，

Gathered beneath his banner countless legions of soldiers，

For he was timid at heart，a lambkin dressed as a tiger，

Merely a coward chicken，phoenix-feathered but spurless.

Pitiful was the fate of his house；for when he departed

Brother with brother strove and quarrels arose in the household.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

From this noble and long-honored line

Sprang a youth of unrestrained ambition，

Who called three thousand champions up in vain

And led his puissant armies to their ruin.

No glory for this sheep in tiger's hide!

No triumph for a chicken phoenix-plumed!

The saddest part of this pathetic end：

Both brothers of this fallen house were doomed.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Born of a line of nobles famous for generations，

He himself in his youth was vigorous and daring.

Vainly he called to his side warriors skilled and courageous，

Gathered beneath his banner countless legions of soldiers.

He was，however，timid at heart，a lambskin dressed as a tiger，

Merely a cowardly chicken，phoenix-feathered but spurless.

Pitiful was the fate of his house，for when he departed

Brothers strove and quarrels arose in the household.

(虞苏美)

审配之死(第三十二回)

河北多名士，谁如审正南：

命因昏主丧，心与古人参。

忠直言无隐，廉能志不贪。

临亡犹北面，降者尽羞惭。

(1)

Who of all th'official throng

In Hopei was true like Shên？

Sad his fate!he served a fool，

But faithful，as the ancient men.

Straight and true was every word，

Never from the road he swerved.

Faithful unto death，he died

Gazing toward the lord he'd served.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Above the northland's many famous men，

Shen Pei truly rises all the more

For laying down his life for feckless lord

And standing fast as truest man of yore.

Loyal and straight，to his lord a vassal frank，

Pure and able，proof against temptation.

He faced his lord as he faced his end：

Let all defectors know their degradation.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Who of all the men of fame

In Hebei was true like Shen Pei？

Sad his fate!he served a fool，

But faithful as the ancient sage.

Straight and true was his word，

Never from the road he swerved.

Faithful unto death，he died

Gazing toward the lord he'd served.

(虞苏美)

郭嘉之死(第三十三回)

天生郭奉孝，豪杰冠群英：

腹内藏经史，胸中隐甲兵；

运谋如范蠡，决策似陈平。

可惜身先丧，中原梁栋倾。

(1)

When Heaven permitted Kuo Chia's birth，

It made him ablest man on earth.

He knew by rote all histories，

From him war kept no mysteries.

Like Fan's，his plans were quite decisive，

As Ch'ên's，his strokes were most incisive.

Too soon he ran his earthly race，

Too soon the great beam fell from place.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Guo Jia，born with gifts divine，

Excelled the heroes of Cao's court，

His stomach filled with erudition，

His mind deploying shield and sword.

Like Fan Li of old，he worked his schemes.

Like Chen Ping，he shaped and planned.

Alas，he died before his time，

A broken pillar of the land？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

When Heaven permitted Guo Jia's birth，

It made him ablest man on earth.

He knew by rote all histories，

From him war kept no mysteries.

Like Fan Li，his plans were quite decisive，

As Chen Ping，his strokes were most incisive.

Too soon he ran his earthly race，

Too soon the great beam fell from place.

(虞苏美)

天下英雄独使君(第三十四回)

曹公屈指从头数：天下英雄独使君。

髀肉复生犹感叹，争教寰字不三分？

(1)

When with crooking fingers counting，

Ts'ao Ts'ao reckoned up the forceful

Men of real determination，

Only two he found；and one was

Yüan-tê.But by inaction

He had grown both fat and slothful；

Yet the months and years in passing

Fretted him with nought accomplished.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Lord Cao named the rivals that he owned：

"Inspector，you're the second of the realm!"

But Xuande felt his sinews going slack—

How could he keep the world of Han intact？

(Moss Roberts)

题壁诗(第三十四回)

数年徒守困，空对旧山川。

龙岂池中物，乘雷欲上天!

(1)

Too long，far too long I have dreamed life away，

Gazing at scenery day after day.

A dragon can never be kept in a pond，

He should ride on the thunder to heaven and beyond.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

So many years in hard adversity，

Staring back at the same old hills and streams—

In a pond no dragon's meant to lie；

He'll ride the thunder to the sky!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Too long，far too long I have been trapped here，

Gazing idly at the rivers and hills.

A dragon can never be kept in a pond，

He should ride on the thunder to heaven and beyond.

(虞苏美)

马跃檀溪(第三十四回)

老去花残春日暮，宦游偶至檀溪路；

停骖遥望独徘徊，眼前零落飘红絮。

暗想咸阳火德衰，龙争虎斗交相持；

襄阳会上王孙饮，坐中玄德身将危。

逃生独出西门道，背后追兵复将到；

一川烟水涨檀溪，急叱征骑往前跳。

马蹄踏碎青玻璃，天风响处金鞭挥；

耳畔但闻千骑走，波中忽见双龙飞。

西川独霸真英主，坐下龙驹两相遇。

檀溪溪水自东流，龙驹英主今何处!

临流三叹心欲酸，斜阳寂寂照空山；

三分鼎足浑如梦，踪迹空留在世间。

(1)

I'm growing old，the leaves are sere，

My sun slopes westward，soon will sink，

And I recall that yester year

I wandered by T'an River brink.

Irresolute，anon I paused，

Anon advanced，and gazed around，

I marked the autumn's reddened leaves，

And watched them eddying to the ground.

I thought of all the mighty deeds

Of him who set the House of Han

On high，and all the struggles since，

The battlefields，the blood that ran.

I saw the nobles gathered round

The board，set in the Banquet Hall；

Amid them，one，above whose head

There hung a sword about to fall.

I saw him quit that festive throng

And westward ride，a lonely way；

I saw a squadron follow swift，

Intent the fugitive to slay.

I saw him reach the River T'an

Whose swirling current rushes by；

Adown the bank he galloped fast，

"Now leap，my steed!"I heard him cry.

His steed's hoofs churn the swollen stream；

What recks he that the waves run high？

He hears the sound of clashing steel，

Of thundering squadrons coming nigh.

And upward from the foaming waves

I saw two peerless beings soar；

One was a destined western king，

And him another dragon bore.

The T'an still rolls from east to west，

Its roaring torrent ne'er dry.

Those dragons twain，Ah!where are they？

Yes，where？But there is no reply.

The setting sun，in dark relief

Against the glowing western sky，

Throws out the everlasting hills

While，saddened，here I stand and sigh.

Men died to found the kingdoms three，

Which now as misty dreams remain.

Of greatest deeds the traces oft

Are faint that fleeting years retain.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Late one spring day official service took me by the Tan：

The sun was low；the blossoms newly down.

I stopped the carriage and paced the bank，gazing across；

Shreds of catkin，stirred by the wind，caught the sun.

I saw in them the dying fire of Double Suns，

That time dragon battled dragon and tiger，tiger.

At Xiangyang the guests of honor reveled，

While Xuande，marked for death，made his escape.

Out the western gate he rode，

Reaching the rushing mistbound Tan

Moments ahead of an angry cavalry—

The rider's shout urged the dilu in.

The pounding hooves break up the glassy waves，

Under a golden whip flailed like Heaven's wind.

Behind，to hear the clamor of a thousand cavalry!

Amid the waves，to see those dragons rear：

The noble hero who would rule the west，

Borne(by some design)upon the dragon-steed.

And eastward race the currents of the Tan；

The dragon-steed，its master—whither gone？

By river's edge，heartsore，to sigh，to sigh…

The last rays touch the hills，deserted，void.

Was it more than dream—that age of kingdoms three？

More than idle traces in our memory？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

I'm growing old，the leaves are bare，

The sun sloping westward，soon will sink，

And I recall that yester year

I wandered by Tan River brink.

Irresolute，anon I paused，

Anon advanced，and gazed around，

I marked the autumn's reddened leaves，

And watched them eddying to the ground.

I thought of all the mighty deeds

Of him who set the House of Han

On high，and all the struggles since，

The battlefields，the blood that ran.

I saw the nobles gather round

The board，set in the banquet hall；

Amid them，one，above whose head

There hung a sword about to fall.

I saw him quit that festive throng

And westward ride，a lonely way；

I saw a squadron follow swift，

Intent the fugitive to slay.

I saw him reach the River Tan

Whose swirling current rushes by；

Toward the bank he galloped fast，

"Now leap，my steed!"I heard him cry.

His steed's hoofs churn the swollen stream；

What wrecks he that the waves run high？

He hears the sound of clashing steel，

Of thundering squadrons coming nigh.

And upward from the foaming waves

I saw two peerless beings soar；

One was a destined western king，

And him another dragon bore.

The Tan still rolls from east to west，

Its roaring torrent ne'er dry.

Those dragons twain，Ah!where are they？

Yes，where？But there is no reply.

The setting sun，in dark relief

Against the glowing western sky，

Throws out the everlasting hills

While，saddened，here I stand and sigh.

Men died to found the kingdoms three

Which now as misty dreams remain.

Of greatest deeds the traces oft

Are faint that fleeting years retain.

(虞苏美)

徐庶荐贤(第三十六回)

痛恨高贤不再逢，临岐泣别两情浓。

片言却似春雷震，能使南阳起卧龙。

(1)

Yüan-têheard that his able friend

Must leave him，with saddened heart，

For each to the other had grown very dear，

Both wept when it came to part.

But the parting guest then mentioned a name

That echoed both loud and deep，

Like a thunder clap in a spring-time sky，

And there wakened a dragon from sleep.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

To part for aye made Xuande sore with grief.

At road's fork they stopped；in each emotions deep.

A word is dropped，like thunder's boom in spring，

Rousing the dragon sleeping in Nanyang.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Liu Bei heard that his able friend

Must leave him with saddened heart，

For each to the other had grown very dear，

Both wept when they came to part.

But the faithful friend then mentioned a name

That echoed both loud and deep，

Like a thunder clap in a springtime sky，

And there wakened a dragon from sleep.

(虞苏美)

赞徐母(第三十七回)

贤哉徐母，流芳千古：

守节无亏，于家有补；

教子多方，处身自苦；

气若丘山，义出肺腑；

赞美豫州，毁触魏武；

不畏鼎镬，不惧刀斧；

唯恐后嗣，玷辱先祖。

伏剑同流，断机堪伍；

生得其名，死得其所：

贤哉徐母，流芳千古!

(1)

Wise Mother Hsü，fair is your fame，

The storied page glows with your name，

From duty's path you never strayed，

The family's renown you made.

To train your son no pains you spared，

For your own body nothing cared.

You stand sublime，from us apart，

Through simple purity of heart.

Brave Liu Pei's virtues you extolled，

You blamed Ts'ao Ts'ao，the basely bold.

Of blazing fire you felt no fear，

You blenched not when the sword came near，

But dreaded lest a wilful son

Should dim the fame his fathers won.

Yes，Mother Hsüwas of one mould

With famous heroines of old，

Who never shrank from injury，

And even were content to die.

Fair meed of praise，while still alive，

Was yours，and ever will survive.

Hail!Mother Hsü，your memory，

While time rolls on，shall never die.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Mother Xu's integrity

Will savor for eternity.

She kept her honor free of stain，

A credit to her family's name.

A model lesson for her son，

No grief or hardship would she shun.

An aura like a sacred hill，

Allegiance sprung from depth of will.

For Xuande，words of approbation，

For Cao Cao，utter condemnation.

Boiling oil or scalding water，

Knife or axe could not deter her.

Then，lest Shan Fu shame his forebears，

She joined the ranks of martyred mothers.

In life，her proper designation；

In death，her proper destination.

Mother Xu's integrity

Will savor for eternity.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Wise Mother Xu，fair is your fame，

The history page glows with your name，

The family's renown you made.

To train your son no pains you spared，

For your own body nothing cared.

You stand sublime as a high hill

Through simple purity of heart.

Bravely you extolled Liu Bei's worth

And blamed Cao Cao for his evils.

Of blazing fire you felt no fear，

You blanched not when the sword came near，

But dreaded lest a willful son

Should dim the fame his fathers won.

Yes，Mother Xu was of one mould

With famous heroines of old，

Who never shrank from injury，

And even were content to die.

Eloquent praise，while still alive，

Was yours，and ever will survive.

Hail!Mother Xu，your memory，

While time rolls on，shall never die.

(虞苏美)

隆中歌(一)(第三十七回)

苍天如圆盖，陆地似棋局；

世人黑白分，往来争荣辱：

荣者自安安，辱者定碌碌。

南阳有隐居，高眠卧不足!

(1)

The earth is a chequered board，

And the sky hangs over all，

Under it men are contending，

Some rise，but a many fall.

For those who succeedtis well，

But for those who go under rough.

There's a dozing dragon hard by，

But his sleep isn't deep enough.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The sky's a curving vault of blue，

The level earth a chessboard，

Where men their black and white divide，

Disgrace or glory to decide.

For the winners，peace and comfort，

For the losers，tiring toil.

In Nanyang someone lies secluded，

Securely sleeping.Stay abed!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The earth is a chequered board，

And the sky hangs over all，

Under it men are contending，

Some rise，but many more fall.

For those who succeed，tis well，

But for those who go under，rough.

There's a dozing dragon nearby，

But his sleep isnt deep enough.

(虞苏美)

卧龙居处(第三十七回)

襄阳城西二十里，一带高冈枕流水：

高冈屈曲压云根，流水潺盢飞石髓；

势若困龙石上蟠，形如单凤松阴里；

柴门半掩闭茅庐，中有高人卧不起。

修竹交加列翠屏，四时篱落野花馨；

床头堆积皆黄卷，座上往来无白丁；

叩户苍猿时献果，守门老鹤夜听经；

囊里名琴藏古锦，壁间宝剑挂七星。

庐中先生独幽雅，闲来亲自勤耕稼；

专待春雷惊梦回，一声长啸安天下。

(1)

Not far from Hsiangyang's massive walls

There stands，clear cut against the sky，

A lofty ridge，and at its foot

A gentle stream goes gliding by.

The contour，curving up and down，

Although by resting cloud it's marred，

Arrests the eye；and here and there

The flank by waterfalls is scarred.

There，like a sleeping dragon coiled，

Or phoenix hid among thick pines，

You see，secure from prying eyes，

A cot，reed-built on rustic liner.

The rough-joined doors，pushed by the wind，

Swing idly open and disclose

The greatest genius of the world

Enjoying still his calm repose.

The air is full of woodland scents，

Around are hedgerows trim and green，

Close—growing intercrossed bamboos

Replace the painted doorway screen.

But look within and books you see

By every couch，near every chair；

And you may guess that common men

Are very seldom welcomed there.

The hut seems far from human ken，

So far one might expect to find

Wild forest denizens there，trained

To serve in place of human kind.

Without a hoary crane might stand

An warden of the outer gate；

Within a long-armed gibbon come

To offer fruit upon a plate.

But enter；there refinement reigns；

Brocaded silk the lutes protect，

And burnished weapons on the walls

The green of pines outside reflect.

For he who dwells within that hut

Is talented beyond compare，

Although he lives the simple life

And harvest seems his only care.

He waits until the thund'rous call

Shall bid him wake，nor sleep again；

Then will he forth and at his word

Peace over all the land shall reign.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

West of Xiangyang county twenty li，

A rising ridge leans over a flowing stream.

The twisting，turning ridge bears heavy clouds；

The frothing，churning stream is liquid jade.

Caught between the rocks，this dragon winds；

Shadowed by the pines，this phoenix hides.

A wattle gate half-screens a thatched retreat：

Undisturbed，the recluse rests within.

The bamboo forms a veil of green outside.

Where year-round hedgerows exhale flowery scents.

Learned works are piled around his bed；

No common men have come before his seat.

Now and then a gibbon taps to offer fruit；

A crane，his gateguard，attends his nightly chants.

A brocade sack contains the precious lute；

The seven-star sword is hung upon the wall.

In this refined seclusion the master waits

And works his acres in his leisure hour，

Until spring thunder starts him from his dream

To calm the kingdom with one impassioned cry.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Not far from Xiangyang's ancient walls

There stands clear cut against the sky，

A lofty ridge，and at its foot

A gentle stream goes gliding by.

The hills，curving upward to join

The scudding clouds，arrest the eye.

Gurgling water falls from the top

Meets the rocks as its journey stops.

There，like a sleeping dragon coiled，

Or phoenix hid among thick pines，

You see，secure from prying eyes，

A hut，reed-built on rustic lines.

The rough-joined doors，pushed by the wind，

Swing idly open and disclose

The greatest genius of the world

Enjoying still his calm repose.

The air is full of woodland scents，

Around are hedgerows trim and green，

Close—growing intercrossed bamboo

Replace the painted doorway screen.

But look within and books you see

By every couch，near every chair；

And you may guess that common men

Are very seldom welcomed there.

The hut seems far from human ken，

So far，one might expect to find

Wild forest denizens there，trained

To serve in place of human kind.

Outside，a hoary crane might stand

As warden of the outer gate；

Within，a long-armed gibbon come

To offer fruit upon a plate.

But enter—there refinement reigns；

Brocaded silk the lutes protect，

And burnished weapons on the walls

The green of pines outside reflect.

For he who dwells within that hut

Is talented beyond compare，

Although he lives the simple life

And farming seems his only care.

He waits until the thunderous call

Rouses him from his blissful dreams；

Then will he come and at his word

Peace over all the land shall reign.

(虞苏美)

隆中歌(二)(第三十七回)

壮士功名尚未成，呜呼久不遇阳春!

君不见东海渔叟辞荆榛，后车遂与文王亲；

八百诸侯不期会，白鱼入舟涉孟津；

牧野一战血流杵，鹰扬伟烈冠武臣。

又不见高阳酒徒起草中，长楫芒砀隆准公；

高谈王霸惊人耳，辍洗延坐钦英风；

东下齐城七十二，天下无人能继踪。

二人功迹尚如此，至今谁肯论英雄？

(1)

Although possessed of talent rare，

This man has made no name；

Alas!the day is breaking late

That is to show his fame.

O friends you know the tale：

Th'aged man constrained to leave

His cottage by the sea，

To follow in a prince's train

His counsellor to be.

Eight hundred feudal chieftains met

Who came with one accord；

The happy omen，that white fish，

That leapt the boat aboard；

The gory field in distant wilds，

Whence flowed a crimson tide，

And him acknowledged chief in war

Whose virtues none denied；

That Kaoyang rustic，fond of wine，

Who left his native place.

And went to serve so faithfully

The man of handsome face；

And one who spoke of ruling chiefs

In tones so bold and free，

But sitting at the festive board

Was full of courtesy；

And one，twas he who laid in dust

Walled cities near four score—

But men of doughty deeds like these

On earth are seen no more.

Now had these men not found their lord

Would they be known to fame？

Yet having found，they served him well

And so achieved a name.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

No deeds，no fame achieved at manhood's prime：

Shall he ever find his lord or meet his time？

Remember when Jiang Ziya，

The old sage of the Eastern Sea，quit his hazel wood

And followed Zhou's first king，

Wen，as servant and as kinsman？

When，uncalled，eight hundred lords converged，

And a white fish flew into King Wu's boat.

As he forded at Meng

To battle the Shang at Grazing Field，

Where he shed a tide of blood

That bore off sword and shield，

As，fierce and majestic，an eagle on the wing，

He towered above

King Wu's martial vassals？

And when

The tippler from Gaoyang(as he liked to call himself)，

Li Yiji，came and made a common bow.

To the"Big Nose Governor"in those dark hours

And spoke such startling truths of reign and rule

That the king—to—be dismissed his footwashers

And feasted Li Yiji，honoring his splendid spirit？

The surrender of the east soon followed：

Seventy—two cities and towns.

What man has followed in those footsteps？

Such were the deeds of Jiang Ziya and Li Yiji，

Heroes unsurpassed unto this very day.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Although possessed of talent rare，

This man has made no name；

Alas!the day is breaking late

That is to show his fame.

Oh friends you know the tale；

The aged man constrained to leave

His cottage by the sea，

To follow in a prince's train

His counselor to be.

Eight hundred feudal chieftains met

Who came with one accord；

The happy omen，that white fish，

That leapt the boat aboard；

The gory field in distant wilds，

Whence flowed a crimson tide，

And him acknowledged chief in war

Whose virtues none denied；

That Gaoyang rustic，fond of wine，

Who left his native place

And went to serve so faithfully

The man of showy nose；

And one who spoke of ruling chiefs

In tones so bold and free；

But sitting at the festive board

Was full of courtesy；

And one，twas he who laid in dust

Walled cities near four score—

But men of doughty deeds like these

On earth are seen no more.

Yet these two have perished，

Their deeds no longer remembered.

So whoever in this world now

Will talk about heroes of renown？

(虞苏美)

隆中歌(三)(第三十七回)

吾皇提剑清寰海，创业垂基四百载；

桓灵季业火德衰，奸臣贼子调鼎鼐。

青蛇飞下御座傍，又见妖虹降玉堂；

群盗四方如蚁聚，奸雄百辈皆鹰扬，

吾侪长啸空拍手，闷来村店饮村酒；

独善其身尽日安，何须千古名不朽!

(1)

We had a famous emperor，

Who drew his shining sword，

Cleansed all the land within the seas

And made himself its lord.

In time his son succeeded him，

And so from son to son

The lordship passed，held firm until

Four hundred years had run.

Then dawned a day of weaklier sons，

The fiery virtue failed，

Then ministers betrayed their trust，

Court intrigues vile prevailed.

The omens came；a serpent black

Coiled on the dragon throne，

While in the hall of audience

Unholy haloes shone.

Now bandits swarm in all the land

And noble strives with chief，

The common people，sore perplexed，

Can nowhere find relief.

Let's drown our sorrows in the cup，

Be happy while we may，

Let those who wish run after fame

That is to last for aye.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Han's first king took the realm by sword；

The house he founded lasted twenty score.

With Huan and Ling，Han's fire-virtue waned.

And evil men the chancelorship profaned.

They saw a serpent coiled beside the throne；

A rainbow in the consort-quarters shone.

Ant-like，outlaws gathered everywhere；

Villains rose like raptors in the air.

We pound our hands and keen，but all in vain；

Our sorrows take us to the village inn.

Leading lives of simple decency，

Who needs a name that lasts eternally？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Although possessed of talent rare，

This man has made no name；

Alas!the day is breaking late

That is to show his fame.

Oh friends you know the tale；

The aged man constrained to leave

His cottage by the sea，

To follow in a prince's train

His counselor to be.

Eight hundred feudal chieftains met

Who came with one accord；

The happy omen，that white fish，

That leapt the boat aboard；

The gory field in distant wilds，

Whence flowed a crimson tide，

And him acknowledged chief in war

Whose virtues none denied；

That Gaoyang rustic，fond of wine，

Who left his native place

And went to serve so faithfully

The man of showy nose；

And one who spoke of ruling chiefs

In tones so bold and free；

But sitting at the festive board

Was full of courtesy；

And one，twas he who laid in dust

Walled cities near four score—

But men of doughty deeds like these

On earth are seen no more.

Yet these two have perished，

Their deeds no longer remembered.

So whoever in this world now

Will talk about heroes of renown？

The song ended，then another man tapped the table and sang：

We had a famous emperor，

Who drew his shining sword，

Cleansed all the land within the seas

And made himself its lord.

In time his son succeeded him，

And so from son to son

The lordship passed，held firm until

Four hundred years had run.

Then dawned a day of weaklier sons，

The fiery virtue failed，

Then ministers betrayed their trust，

vile court intrigues prevailed.

The omens came；a serpent black

Coiled on the dragon throne，

While in the Hall of Jade

Unholy halos shone.

Now bandits swarm in all the land

And ambitious lords strive，

The common people，sore perplexed，

Can nowhere find relief.

Let's drown our sorrows in the cup，

Be happy while we may，

Let those who wish run after fame

And try to make a name.

(虞苏美)

隆中歌(四)(第三十七回)

凤翱翔于千仞兮，非梧不栖；

士伏处于一方兮，非主不依。

乐躬耕于陇亩兮，吾爱吾庐；

聊寄傲于琴书兮，以待天时。

(1)

The phoenix flies high，ah me!

And only will perch on a wutung tree.

The scholar is hid，ah me!

Till his lord appear he can patient be.

He tills his fields，ah me!

He is well-content and I love my home，

He awaits his day，ah me!

His books and his lute to leave and roam.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The phoenix winging on the air

Will choose no tree

Except the wu.

The scholar keeping to his lair

Will have no lord except the true.

Oh，let me till these furrowed fields，

By this sweet home

That I call mine.

In books and song I place my dreams

And wait the time

The fates assign.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The phoenix flies high，ah me!

And only will perch on a plane tree.

The scholar is hid，ah me!

Till his lord appears he can patient be.

He tills his fields，ah me!

He is well—content and he loves his cot，

He awaits his day，ah me!

And seeks comfort in his lute and his books.

(虞苏美)

隆中歌(五)(第三十七回)

一夜北风寒，万里彤云厚。

长空雪乱飘，改尽江山旧。

仰面观太虚，疑是玉龙斗。纷纷鳞甲飞，顷刻遍宇宙。骑驴过小桥，独叹梅花瘦!

(1)This eve，the sky is overcast，The north wind comes with icy blast，Light snowflakes whirl adown until A white pall covers dale and hill.Perhaps above the topmost sky White dragons strive for mastery，The armour scales from their forms riven Are scattered o'er the world wind-driven.Amid the storm there jogs along A simple wight who croons a song."O poor plum trees，the gale doth tear Your blossoms off and leave you bare."

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)Nightlong，north winds chill，Myriad-leagued，dusky clouds expand.Capering snow through an infinite sky Transforms the never-changing land.He looks into the ether's vastitude：Are jade dragons at war up there，Strewing their scales every which way，And filling up the hollow sphere？Alone，Sighing for the plum trees'battered blooms.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)This eve，the sky is overcast，The north wind comes with icy blast，Light snowflakes whirl about until

A white pall covers dale and hill.

Perhaps above the topmost sky

White dragons strive for mastery，

Numerous scales from their forms riven

Are scattered o'er the world wind-driven.

Amid the storm there jogs along

A simple soul who croons a song

"Oh poor plum trees，the gale doth tear

Your blossoms off and leave you bare."

(虞苏美)

二访隆中(第三十七回)

一天风雪访贤良，不遇空回意感伤。

冻合溪桥山石滑，寒侵鞍马路途长。

当头片片梨花落，扑面纷纷柳絮狂。

回首停鞭遥望处，烂银堆满卧龙冈。

(1)

One winter's day through snow and wind

A prince rode forth the sage to find；

Alas!his journey was in vain，

And sadly he home again.

The stream stood still beneath the bridge

A sheet of ice draped rock and ridge，

His steed benumbed with biting cold.

But crawled as he were stiff and old.

The snow-flakes on the rider's head

Were like pear-blossoms newly shed，

Or like the willow-catkins light

They brushed his cheek in headlong flight.

He stayed his steed，he looked around，

The snow lay thick on tree and mound，

The Sleeping Dragon Ridge lay white

A hill of silver，glistening bright.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

That stormy day he sought the sage in vain，

And sore at heart，he started home again.

The creek bridge，frozen；the land，sheer ice

His trembling horse has many li to cross.

Pear-petal flakes descending from the skies，

Antic willow puffs darting at his eyes，

He turns and halts to view the scene behind：

Banked with snow，the silvered ridges shine.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

One winter's day through snow and wind

Liu Bei rode forth the sage to find；

Alas!his journey was in vain，

And sadly turned he home again.

The stream stood still beneath the bridge

A sheet of ice draped rock and ridge，

His steed，benumbed with biting cold，

Crawled on as he was stiff and old.

The snowflakes on the rider's head

Were like pear blossoms newly shed，

Or like the willow catkins light

They brushed his cheeks in headlong flight.

He checked his steed and looked around，

The snow lay thick on trees and mounds，

The Sleeping Dragon Ridge lay white

A hill of silver，glistening bright.

(虞苏美)

春睡(第三十八回)

大梦谁先觉？平生我自知。

草堂春睡足，窗外日迟迟。

(1)

Can any know what fate is his？

Yet have I felt throughout my life，

The day would come at last to quit

The calm retreat for toil and strife.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

From this great dream who would waken first？

All along I've known the part to play：

To sleep in springtime，and to ask no more，

Though outside，longer，longer grow the days.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Can any know what fate is his？

Yet have I felt throughout my life，

The day will come at last to quit

The calm retreat for toil and strife.

(虞苏美)

隆中决策(第三十八回)

豫州当日叹孤穷，何幸南阳有卧龙!

欲识他年分鼎处，先生笑指画图中。

(1)

Behold，when Liu Pei frets that he is weak，

Then"Sleeping Dragon"is not far to seek；

When he desires to know how things will hap，

The Master，smiling，shows him on the map.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Governor Liu，cast adrift，alone，

By fortune found Nanyang's Sleeping Dragon.

He sought to know the shape of things to be；

Smiling，the master mapped his strategy.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Behold，when Liu Bei frets that he is weak，

Then"Sleeping Dragon"is not far to seek；

When he desires to know how things will hap，

The master，smiling，shows him on the map.

(虞苏美)

诸葛出山(第三十八回)

身未升腾思退步，功成应忆去时言。

只因先主丁宁后，星落秋风五丈原。

(1)

Then，turning from his humble home，

He thought of peaceful days to come，

When he should take the homeward way

And ne'er beyond the valley stray.

But duty kept him in the west，

And there he found his place of rest.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

About to soar，he felt himself drawn back；

His task complete，hell think of this farewell.

Only for the monarch，who pleaded and pleaded again：

The"failing star，"the"autumn winds"—the"last campaign''.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Then，turning from his humble home，

He thought of peaceful days to come，

When he should take the homeward way

And ne'er beyond the valley stray.

But duty kept him in the west，

And there he found his place of rest.

(虞苏美)

南阳卧龙有大志(第三十八回)

高皇手提三尺雪，芒砀白蛇夜流血；

平秦灭楚入咸阳，二百年前几断绝。

大哉光武兴洛阳，传至桓灵又崩裂；

献帝迁都幸许昌，纷纷四海生豪杰：

曹操专权得天时，江东孙氏开鸿业；

孤穷玄德走天下，独居新野愁民厄。

南阳卧龙有大志，腹内雄兵分正奇；

只因徐庶临行语，茅庐三顾心相知。

先生尔时年三九，收拾琴书离陇亩；

先取荆州后取川，大展经纶补天手；

纵横舌上鼓风雷，谈笑胸中换星斗；

龙骧虎视安乾坤，万古千秋名不朽!

(1)

The Founder of Han seized his gleaming blade

And at Mangtang the blood of the white snake flowed.

He conquered Ts'in，destroyed Ch'u Und entered Hsienyang.

After two centuries of rule the line was near broken，

But Kuang-Wu，the great，restored the glory at Loyang.

And his children occupied the throne

Till decay began in the days of Huan and Ling.

The Emperor Ling removed the capital to Hsüch'ang，

And，within the four seas，all was confusion.

Bold spirits started up in fierce contention.

Ts'ao Ts'ao，seized the favourable moment

And the Imperial authority passed into his hands，

While the Suns made to themselves

A glorious heritage east of the river，

Solitary and poor，Liu Pei wandered from place to place，

Till he found a haven in Hsinyeh.

Sorely distressed he was at the sorrows of the people，

But the Sleeping Dragon conceived a noble ambition，

Within his breast were thoughts

Of great things to be accomplished by force of arms.

Then because of the parting words of HsüShu，

And by the thrice repeated visits to his retreat，

The great hero found and knew his mentor.

When the age of K'ung—ming was but thrice nine years，

He turned from his books，put aside his lute

And left the peaceful fields he had loved，

Under his guidance Chingchou was taken

And the Land of the Four Streams conquered.

He unrolled great schemes，as one all knowing，

In speech，he went to and fro in the world，

The sound of war drums rolled from his tongue，

The words from his heart stirred one to the utmost depths，

The dragon pranced，the tiger glared，

And peace was brought to the world.

Through all the ages his fame shall never decay.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Han's founding king drew his snow-white sword

And slew the silver serpent in the Mang-Dang Hills；

He quelled Qin，smote Chu，and claimed Xianyang.

Ten score passed；the line would have expired，

But mighty Guang Wu revived its fortunes in Luoyang；

The throne remained secure till Huan and Ling：

Court rule broke down；Xiandi was moved to Xu.

Bold spirits now arose at every turn：

Cao Cao seized power；the times were in his favor；

In the south，the Sun clan rose and ruled.

Lost and sorely tried，Xuande roamed the realm；

Off in Xinye，he took to heart the people's woes.

Nanyang's Sleeping Dragon dreamed great dreams；

In his mind deep strategies took form.

If Shan Fu had not spoken Kongming's name，

Could Xuande's triple quest have ever been？

So Kongming at an age of three times nine

Packed his books and lute and quit his fields.

"Take Jingzhou first and then take the west!"

Here was a plan to alter destiny.

Across the realm his words created storms.

Juggling stars that held men's fate，he smiled.

Dragons ramped，tigers stalked，sky and land stood calmed；

Time itself can never waste his name.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The Founder of Han seized his gleaming blade

And at Mangdang the blood of the white snake flowed.

He conquered Qin，destroyed Chu，and entered Xiangyang.

After two centuries of rule the line was near broken，

But Guangwu，the great，restored the glory at Luoyang.

And his offspring occupied the throne

Till decay began in the days of Huan and Ling，

Then Emperor Xian removed the capital to Xuchang.

And，within the four seas，all was confusion.

Bold spirits started up in fierce contention.

Cao Cao seized the favorable moment

And the imperial authority passed into his hands，

While the Suns made to themselves a glorious heritage east of the river，

Solitary and poor，Liu Bei wandered from place to place，

Till he found a haven in Xinye.

Sorely distressed he was at the sorrows of the people，

But the Sleeping Dragon conceived a noble ambition.

Within his breast were remarkable plans

Of great things to be accomplished by force of arms.

Then，because of the parting words of Xu Shu，

And by the three repeated visits to his retreat，

The great hero found and knew his mentor，

When at the age of but thrice nine years

He turned from his books，put aside his lute

And left the peaceful fields he had loved，

Under his guidance Jingzhou was taken，

And the land of West Chuan conquered，

He unrolled great schemes，as one all knowing

In speech，he went to and fro in the land，

The sound of war drums rolled loud from his tongue，

The words from his heart stirred one to the utmost depths，

The dragon pranced，the tiger glared，

And peace was brought to the land.

Through all the ages his fame will never decay.

(虞苏美)

徐氏复仇(第三十八回)

才节双全世所无，奸回一旦受摧锄。

庸臣从贼忠臣死，不及东吴女丈夫。

(1)

Full of resource and virtuous，few in the world are like her，

Guilefully wrought she and compassed the death of the lusty assassins，

Faithful servants are always ready to deal with rebellion，

None can ever excel that heroine famous in East Wu.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

So able and so chaste—in this world all too rare!—

The widow lured two villains into her cunning snare.

Vassals base chose treachery，vassals loyal chose death；

To this Southland heroine does any man compare？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Full of resource and virtuous，few in the world are like her，

Guilefully wrought she and compassed the death of the lusty assassins，

Faithless officials submit and loyal ones die，

None can compare with the heroine of East Wu.

(虞苏美)

博望烧屯(第三十九回)

博望相持用火攻，指挥如意笑谈中。

直须惊破曹公胆，初出茅庐第一功!

(1)

The armies met on Powang Slope

And K'ung-ming fought with fire；

A perfect strategist，he bent

All men to his desire.

But poor Ts'ao Ts'ao，his enemy，

He trembled in his shoes

Before the man，who'd never fought

But yet could armies use.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

With fire he broke the battle at Bowang，

All smiles and small talk，giving each his cue.

Striking fear deep into Cao Cao's soul，

Thus Kongming scored a coup at his debut.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The armies met on Bowang slope

And Zhuge Liang fought with fire；

A perfect strategist，he bent

All men to his desire.

But poor Cao Cao，his enemy，

He trembled in his shoes

Before the man，who'd never fought，

Yet he could armies use.

(虞苏美)

孔融之死(第四十回)

孔融居北海，豪气贯长虹：

坐上客长满，樽中酒不空；

文章惊世俗，谈笑侮王公。

史笔褒忠直，存官纪太中。

(1)

K'ung Jungo，who dwelt on the north sea shore，

A noble reputation bore；

With him all guests warm welcome found，

And ceaselessly the wine went round.

For skill in letters he was famed，

In speech，he dukes and princes shamed，

Historians his merits tell，

Recorders say that he did well.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

When Kong Rong Beihai district ruled，

His mighty spirit spanned the sky.

His house was always filled with guests；

Their cups were always filled with wine.

By rhetoric he held his age in awe；

His wit put kings and dukes to shame.

Historians call him loyal and true

In annals that preserve his rightful name.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Kong Rong，who dwelt on the north sea shore，

A noble reputation bore；

With him all guests warm welcome found，

And ceaselessly the wine went round.

For skill in letters he was famed，

In speech，he dukes and princes shamed，

Historians his merits tell，

Recorders say that he did well.

(虞苏美)

刘表之死(第四十回)

昔闻袁氏居河朔，又见刘君霸汉阳。

总为牝晨致家累，可怜不久尽销亡!

(1)

When the Yüans were lords of the north，

And Piao held the bank of the river，

It seemed，so strong were they both，

That they would endure for ever.

But the women folk troubled their states，

And，meddling，confusion made；

It was mournful indeed to see

How quickly the house decayed.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The Yuans held the Yellow River north，

And Liu Biao the middle Yangzi.

Till women's rule dragged their houses down，

And without a trace they were gone.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

When the Yuans were lords of the north，

And Biao held the bank of the river，

It seemed，so strong were they both，

That they would endure for ever.

But the women folk troubled their states，

And，meddling，confusion made；

It was mournful indeed to see

How quickly their houses decayed.

(虞苏美)

火烧新野(第四十回)

奸雄曹操守中原，九月南征到汉川。

风伯怒临新野县，祝融飞下焰摩天。

(1)

Thrice wicked was Ts'ao，but he，was bold；

Though all in the capital he controlled，

Yet with this he was not content，

So southward his ravaging army went.

But，the autumn wind aiding，the Spirit of Fire

Wrought to his army destruction dire.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The evil genius of the northern plain

Marched his legions to the River Han.

Within Xinye's walls he felt the wind god's wrath，

And down from blazing Heaven the fire god ran.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Thrice wicked was Cao，but he was bold；

Though all in the capital he controlled，

Yet with this he was not content，

So southward his ravaging army went.

But，the fall wind aiding，the Spirit of Fire

Wrought to his army destruction dire.

(虞苏美)

携民渡江(第四十一回)

临难仁心存百姓，登舟挥泪动三军。

至今凭吊襄江口，父老犹然忆使君。

(1)

In time of stress his heart was tender toward the people，

And he wept as he went down into the ship，

Moving the hearts of soldiers to sympathy.

Even to-day，in the countryside，

Fathers and elders recall the Princely One's kindness.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

In mortal straits，good of heart，he kept his flock from harm；

Riverborne，the tearful leader won his army's love.

And still today men mark the site with solemn piety；

And older folks keep Lord Liu in cherished memory.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

In times of stress his heart was tender toward his people，

He wept as he stepped into the boat，warming the hearts of all.

Even today，on a visit to the river，

Elders recall the kindness of the princely Liu.

(虞苏美)

糜夫人之死(第四十一回)

战将全凭马力多，步行怎把幼君扶？

拚将一死存刘嗣，勇决还亏女丈夫。

(1)

The warrior relies upon the strength of his charger，

Afoot，how could he bear to safety his young prince？

Brave mother!who died to preserve the son of her husband's line；

Heroine was she，bold and decisive!

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The embattled captain had to have his steed；

On foot he could not save the little prince.

Her death preserved the Liu dynastic line：

For bold decision mark this heroine.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The warrior relies upon the strength of his charger，

Afoot，how could he shield his young master from harm？

Brave mother!who died to preserve the son of her husband's line；

Heroine was she，bold and decisive!

(虞苏美)

赵云救主(第四十一回)

红光罩体困龙飞，征马冲开长坂围。

四十二年真命主，将军因得显神威。

(1)

A bright glory surrounds the child of the imperial line，now in danger，

The powerful charger forces his way through the press of battle，

Bearing to safety him who was destined to sit on the throne two score years and two；

And the general thus manifested his godlike courage.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The cornered dragon bathed in red took wing.

And cleaved the enemy lines by Steepslope Bridge.

In two score years and two the babe will reign；

Zhao's superhuman might thus earned his fame.

Zhang He fell back at the miraculous sight.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

A bright glory surrounds the child of the imperial line，now in danger.

The powerful charger forces his way through the press of battle，

Bringing to safety the prince who was to sit on the throne two score years and two；

And the general thus manifested his godlike courage.

(虞苏美)

赵云大战长坂坡(第四十一回)

血染征袍透甲红，当阳谁敢与争锋!

古来冲阵扶危主，只有常山赵子龙。

(1)

Blood dyed the fighting robe and crimsoned his buff coat；

None dared engage the terrible warrior at Tangyang；

In the days of old lived the brave Chao Yün，

Who fought in the battlefield for his lord in danger.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

In bloodsoaked battle gown and armor bloody red，

He faced down every foe at Dangyang town.

Of all who ever fought to keep a king from harm，

Who excels Zhao Zilong，hero of Changshan？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Blood dyed his fighting robe and crimsoned his buff coat；

None dared engage the terrible warrior at Dangyang；

Since days of old only the brave Zhao Yun，

Had fought on the battlefield for his lord in danger.

(虞苏美)

刘备摔子(第四十二回)

曹操军中飞虎出，赵云怀内小龙眠。

无由抚慰忠臣意，故把亲儿掷马前。

(1)

From out Ts'ao's host a tiger rushed，

His wish but to destroy；

Though Liu Pei's consort lost her life，

Chao Yün preserved her boy.

Too great the risk you ran to save

This child，"the father cried.

To show he rated Chao Yün high，

He threw his son aside.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The tigers sprang from Cao Cao's fighting line；

Safe on Zhao Yun's breast the little dragon curled.

How did the liege requite his liege man's love？

Down before the horse，Xuande his own son hurled!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

From Cao's army a tiger rushed，

In his breast the child slept.

To show he rated Zhao Yun high，

Liu threw his son aside.

(虞苏美)

张飞威震长坂坡(第四十二回)

长坂桥头杀气生，横枪立马眼圆睁。

一声好似轰雷震，独退曹家百万兵。

(1)

Chang Fei was wrathful；and who dared

To accept his challenge？

Fierce he glared；

His thundrous voice rolled out，and then

In terror fled Ts'ao's armed men.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Zhang Fei's war blood rose at Steepslope Bridge：

Spear leveled，horse poised，eyes round-fixed.

With a single thunderous cry that shook the ground，

Alone he turned Cao's mighty host around.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Zhang Fei was wrathful；and who dared

To accept his challenge？

Fierce he glared；

His thunderous voice rolled out，and then

In terror fled Cao Cao's million men.

(虞苏美)

铜雀台赋(第四十四回)

从明后以嬉游兮，登层台以娱情。

见太府之广开兮，观圣德之所营。

建高门之嵯峨兮，浮双阙乎太清。

立中天之华观兮，连飞阁乎西城。

临漳水之长流兮，望园果之滋荣。

立双台于左右兮，有玉龙与金凤。

揽二乔于东南兮，乐朝夕之与共。

俯皇都之宏丽兮，瞰云霞之浮动。

欣群才之来萃兮，协飞熊之吉梦。

仰春风之和穆兮，听百鸟之悲鸣。

天云垣其既立兮，家愿得乎双逞。

扬仁化于宇宙兮，尽肃恭于上京。

惟桓文之为盛兮，岂足方乎圣明？

休矣!美矣!惠泽远扬。

翼佐我皇家兮，宁彼四方。

同天地之规量兮，齐日月之辉光。

永贵尊而无极兮，等君寿于东皇。

御龙以遨游兮，回鸾驾而周章。

恩化及乎四海兮，嘉物阜而民康。

愿斯台之永固兮，乐终古而未央。

(1)

Let me follow in the footsteps of the enlightened ruler that I may rejoice

And ascend the storied terrace that I may gladden my heart，

That I may see the wide extent of the palace，

That I may gaze upon the plans of the virtuous one.

He has established the exalted gates high as the hills，

He has builded the lofty，towers piercing the blue vault，

He has set up the beautiful building in the midst of the heavens，

Whence the eye can range over the cities of the west：

On the banks of the rolling River Chang he planned it，

Whence abundance of fruits could be looked for in his gardens.

The two towers rise，one on either flank，

This named Golden Phoenix that Jade Dragon.

He would seize the two Eh'iao；these beautiful ladies of the south-east，

That he might rejoice with them morning and evening.

Look down；there is the grand beauty of an imperiai city，

And the rolling vapours lie floating beneath.

He will rejoice in the multitude of scholars that assemble，

Answering to the felicitous dream of King Win.

Look up；and there is the gorgeous harmony of spring-time，

And the singing of many birds delighting the ear；

The lofty sky stands over all.

The house desires success in its double undertaking，

That the humane influence may be poured out over all the world，

That the perfection of reverence may be offered to the Ruler.

Only the richly prosperous rule of Huan and Wên

Could compare with that of the sacred understanding

What fortune I what beauty!

The gracious kindness spreads afar，

The imperial family is supported，

Peace reigns over all the world，

Bounded only by the universe.

Bright as the glory of the sun and moon，

Ever honourable and ever enduring，

The Ruler shall live to the age of the eastern emperor，

The dragon banner shall wave to the farthest limit.

His glorious chariot shall be guided with perfect wisdom，

His thoughts shall reform all the world，

Felicitous produce shall be abundant，

And the people shall rest firm.

My desire is that these towers shall endure for ever，

And that joy shall never cease through all the ages.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

A pleasant promenade beside His Majesty：

They mount the tiered tower，delight their spirits，

And view the teeming richness of the realm，

The sphere his sagely virtue rules.

These gates he built pierce the mid-sky；

The double pylons float to the crystalline.

Splendid viewing rooms sit suspended there，

Linked chambers seem to hang above the western wall.

They peer down on the ever-flowing Zhang，

Whose gardens give promise of teeming glory.

Aloft on either side，twin towers—

Left，Jade Dragon；right，Golden Phoenix—

To hold his brides，the Southland daughters Qiao，

With whom he will take his pleasure，morning，evening.

Look down on the royal city's spacious elegance；

Behold the shimmering tints of distant clouds.

Rejoice in the confluence of many talents；

Auspicious dreams of aid will be fulfilled.

Look up!The gentle solemnity of spring；

And hear!the lovelorn cries of every bird.

May these proud towers stand till Heaven's end.

Our house has gained a twin fulfillment.

Our benevolent influence spreads across the realm，

Winning universal homage for our capital.

Even the splendor of Huan and Wu，ancient hegemons，

Pales beside his sagely grace and wisdom.

Most blessed!Most marvelous!

His generous favor，extending far and wide.

Lend the sovereign house your aid

That unto the four corners peace may reign.

Our king is on a scale with Heaven and earth，

Radiant as the light of sun or moon，

Ever honored as the ultimate principle，

Immortal as the sky's sovereign star.

Driving the dragon banners round the royal circuit，

Guiding the phoenix chariot round the realm：

His clement influence bathes the kingdom's comers；

Prize offerings to him heap high—the people prosper.

May these towers stand firm for all time，

For pleasure never failing and without end.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Let me follow our wise ruler in pursuit of pleasure，

And ascend the terraced tower to gladden my heart，

I see the wide extent of the heavenly palace，

And gaze upon the plans of his virtuous soul.

The exalted gates rise high as hills，

The double watchtowers pierce the blue vault

It stands so beautifully in the midst of the heavens，

And ranges with the lofty pavilions of the west city，

Overlooking the rolling waves of the Zhang River，

And the abundance of fruits in the nearby orchards.

The two turrets，one on either flank，

This named Jade Dragon，and that Golden Phoenix.

Holding in his arms the two Qiao beauties from the southeast

He enjoys morn and eve in their company.

He looks down at the grand beauty of an imperial city，

And glances up at the floating clouds.

He rejoices at the multitude of scholars that assemble

In answer to the felicitous dream of the winged bear

He breathes harmony in the warm spring breeze

And listens to the doleful songs of the birds

The lofty tower stands erect beneath the sky

The double wishes of the family are blessed with success.

His benevolence pours out over all the world，

His capital is bathed in solemn dignity.

Even the richly prosperous rules of Han and Wen

Cannot compare with his wise and sensible reign.

What fortune!What beauty!

The gracious kindness spreads afar，

Our imperial house is supported by all

And peace reigns over the entire land.

Bounded only by the universe，

Bright as the glory of the sun and moon，

Ever honorable and ever enduring，

Our ruler will live to the age of the Eastern Emperor.

With dragon banners he travels to the farthest limit

In phoenix chariot he returns home from afar.

His benevolence is felt throughout the four seas，

His state prospers and his people live in affluence.

May the tower endure for ever and ever，

May joy never cease through all the ages.

(虞苏美)

蒋干中计(第四十五回)

曹操奸雄不可当，一时诡计中周郎。

蔡张卖主求生计，谁料今朝剑下亡!

(1)

No one could stand against Ts'ao Ts'ao，

Of sin he had full share，

But Chou Yüwas more treacherous，

And caught him in a snare.

Two officers to save their lives，

Betrayed a former lord，

Soon after as was very meet.

Both fell beneath the sword.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Cao Cao，a master of intrigue，

Fell for Zhou Yu's cunning ruse.

Cai and Zhang betrayed their lord

And fell to Cao Cao's bloody sword.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

No one could stand against Cao Cao，

Of sin he had full share，

But Zhou Yu was more resourceful，

And caught him in a snare.

Two officers to save their lives，

Betrayed a former lord，

Soon after，as fate had it，

Both fell beneath the sword.

(虞苏美)

草船借箭(第四十六回)

一天浓雾满长江，远近难分水渺茫。

骤雨飞蝗来战舰，孔明今日伏周郎。

(1)

Thick lies the fog on the river，

Nature is shrouded in white，

Distant and near are confounded，

Banks are no longer in sight.

Fast fly the pattering arrows，

Stick in the boats of the fleet.

Now can full tale be delivered，

K'ung-ming is victor complete.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

That day the river-shrouding fogs

Melted all distance in a watery blur.

Like driving rain or locusts Cao's arrows came：

Kongming had humbled the Southland commander.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Thick lies the fog on the river，

Nature is shrouded in white，

Distant and near are confounded，

Banks are no longer in sight.

Fast fly the pattering arrows，

Sticking in the straw of the boat.

Now can a full tale be delivered，

Kongming is victor complete.

(虞苏美)

连环计(第四十七回)

赤壁鏖兵用火攻，运筹决策尽皆同。

若非庞统连环计，公瑾安能立大功？

(1)

In Red Wall's fight they used the flame，

The weapon here will be the same.

By P'ang's advice the ships were chained，

Else Chou had not that battle gained

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

In Red Cliffs'bitter trial，they fought with fire：

Fire's the perfect weapon，all agreed.

But it was Pang Tong's boat-connecting scheme

That let Zhou Yu accomplish his great deed.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

In the Battle of Red Cliff，

All agreed to use fire.

By Pang's advice the ships were chained，

Else Zhou wouldn't have that battle gained.

(虞苏美)

凤雏一语教徐庶(第四十八回)

曹操征南日日忧，马腾韩遂起戈矛。

凤雏一语教徐庶，正似游鱼脱钓钩。

(1)

Ts'ao Ts'ao marched south，but at his back

There rode the fear of rear attack.

P'ang T'ung's good counsel HsüShu took，

And thus the fish escaped the hook.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Cao's southern march—every day a trial，

As rumors spread of fresh calamity.

Pang Tong counseled Xu Shu what to do：

Once let off the hook，the fish swims free.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Cao Cao marched south，but at his back

There was the fear of rear attack.

Pang Tong's good counsel Xu Shu took，

And thus the fish escaped the hook.

(虞苏美)

赤壁(第四十八回)

折戟沉沙铁未销，自将磨洗认前朝。

东风不与周郎便，铜雀春深锁二乔。

(1)

A broken halberd buried in the sand，

With deep rust eaten，

Loud tells of ancient battles on the strand，

When Ts'ao was beaten.

Had eastern winds Chou's plan refused to aid

And fan the flame，

Two captives fair，locked in the Bronze Bird's shade，

Had gone to shame.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Half-rusted，broken in the sand，this halberd，

Scraped and cleaned，calls up an era past.

Had that east wind not done Zhou Yu a turn.

Two Qiaos in spring would have gone to the tower.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

A broken halberd buried in the sand，

With deep rust eaten，

Loud tells of ancient battles on the strand，

When Cao was beaten.

Had eastern winds Zhou's plan refused to aid

And fan the flame，

Two captives fair，locked in the Bronze Bird's shade，

Would've gone to shame.

(虞苏美)

短歌行(第四十八回)

对酒当歌，人生几何：譬如朝露，去日苦多。

慨当以慷，忧思难忘；何以解忧，惟有杜康。

青青子衿，悠悠我心；但为君故，沉吟至今。

呦呦鹿鸣，食野之苹；我有嘉宾，鼓瑟吹笙。

皎皎如月，何时可辍？忧从中来，不可断绝!

越陌度阡，枉用相存；契阔谈宴，心念旧恩。

月明星稀，乌鹊南飞；绕树三匝，无枝可依。

山不厌高，水不厌深：周公吐哺，天下归心。

(1)

When goblets are brimming then song is near birth，

But life is full short and has few days of mirth，

Life goes as the dew drops fly swiftly away，

'Neath the glance of the glowing hot ruler of day.

Man's life may be spent in the noblest emprise，

But sorrowful thoughts in his heart oft arise.

Let us wash clean away the sad thoughts that intrude，

With bumpers of wine such as Tu K'ang once brewed.

Gone is my day of youthful fire

And still ungained is my desire.

The deer feed on the level plain

And joyful call，then feed again.

My noble guests are gathered round，

The air is trilled with joyful sound.

Bright my future lies before me，

As the moonlight on this plain；

But I strive in vain to reach it.

When shall I my wish attain？

None can answer；and so sadness

Grips my inmost heart again.

Far north and south，

Wide east and west，

We safety seek；

Vain is the quest.

Man's heart oft yearns

For converse sweet，

And my heart burns

When old friends greet.

The stars are paled by the full moon's light，

The raven wings his southward flight，

And thrice he circles round a tree，

No place thereon to rest finds he.

They weary not the mountains of great height，

The waters deep of depth do not complain，

Duke Chou no leisure found by day or night

Stern toil is his who would the Empire gain.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Here before us，wine and song!

For man does not live long.

Like daybreak dew，

His days are swiftly gone.

Sanguine-souled we have to be!

Though painful memory haunts us yet.

Thoughts and sorrows naught allays，

Save the cup Du Kang first set：

"Deep the hue of the scholar's robe；

Deeper，the longing of my heart""

For all of you，my dearest lords，

I voice again this ancient part.

Nibbling on the duckweed，

"Loo!Loo!"the lowing deer.

At our feast sit honored guests

For string and reed to cheer.

The moon on high beckons bright，

But no man's ever stayed it.

Heart's care rises from within，

And nothing can deny it.

Take our thanks for all your pains；

Your presence does us honor.

Reunited on this feasting day，

We well old loves remember.

The moon is bright，the stars are few，

The magpie black as raven.

It southbound circles thrice a tree

That offers him no haven.

The mountaintop no height eschews；

The sea eschews no deep.

And the Duke of Zhou spat out his meals

An empire's trust to keep.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Songs are to go with wine，

For brief indeed is life.

Like the dew drops at dawn

How time has passed beyond recall!

Man's life may be spent in the noblest enterprise，

But sorrowful thoughts in his heart oft arise.

Let us wash away our lament that intrude，

With bumpers of wine such as Du Kang once brewed.

Gone are my days of youthful fire

And still ungained is my desire.

I wait and ponder till now

For my thoughts are to you bound.

The deer feed on the level plain

And joyful call，then feed again.

My noble guests are gathered round，

The air is trilled with joyful sound.

Splendid is the moonlight

That forever is bright.

Sadness rises in my heart

Never will it cease to hurt.

Crossing fields and paths，

Friends come to greet me.

Merrily we talk and feast，

Our hearts warm with friendships past.

The stars are paled by the full moon's light，

The raven wings his southward flight，

And thrice he circles round a tree，

No place thereon to rest finds he.

The mountains can never be too high，

Nor can the waters be too deep.

Duke Zhou welcomed the valiant and the wise，

And men gathered around him from all sides.

(虞苏美)

借东风(第四十九回)

七星坛上卧龙登，一夜东风江水腾。

不是孔明施妙计，周郎安得逞才能？

(1)

High was raised the Seven Stars'Altar，

On it prayed the Sleeping Dragon

For an eastern wind and straightway

Blew the wind.Had not the wizard

Exercised his mighty magic

Nought had Chou Yü's skill availed.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Sleeping Dragon stood on Seven Star Altar，

As all night eastern winds roiled the Jiang.

Had Kongming not devised his artifice，

Could Zhou Yu have played the strategist？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Sleeping Dragon ascended the Seven Stars'Altar，

Overnight a southeasterly wind blew and waves lapped.

Had he not exercised his mighty magic，

Could Zhou Yu have demonstrated his skill？

(虞苏美)

火烧赤壁(第五十回)

魏吴争斗决雌雄，赤壁楼船一扫空。

烈火初张照云海，周郎曾此破曹公。

(1)

When Wei and Wu together strove

For the mastery，

In Red Cliff fight the towering ships

Vanished from the sea，

For there the fierce flames，leaping high，

Burned them utterly.

So Chou Yüfor his liege lord

Got the victory.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Wei and Wu waged war to rule the roost；

The northland's towered ships—to smoke reduced.

Spreading flames illumined cloud and sea：

Cao Cao went down；'twas Zhou Yu's victory.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

When Wei and Wu fought the battle at Red Cliff

Vanished from the water were thousands of ships，

For there the fierce flames burned them utterly.

Zhou Yu for his lord gained the victory.

(虞苏美)

东风有意便周郎(第五十回)

山高月小水茫茫，追叹前朝割据忙。

南士无心迎魏武，东风有意便周郎。

(1)

The hills are high，the moon shines faint，

The waters stretch afar；

I sigh to think how oft this land

Has suffered stress of war；

And I recall how southerners

Shrank from the northmen's might，

And how a favouring eastern gale

Helped them to win the fight.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

High hills，a tiny moon，waters vague and vast—

Look back and grieve：what haste to carve the land!

The Southland had no wish for Cao's imperium；

And the wind had a mind to save its high command.

(Moss Roberts)

义释曹操(第五十回)

曹瞒兵败走华容，正与关公狭路逢。

只为当初恩义重，放开金锁走蛟龙。

(1)

Ts'ao Ts'ao，his army lost，fled to the Huayung Valley；

There in the throat of the gorge met he Kuan Yü.

Grateful was Kuan，and mindful of former kindness，

Wherefore slipped he the bolt and freed the imprisoned dragon.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Cao Cao fled along the Huarong Trail，

But Lord Guan barred his passage hardily.

Then，weighing obligation once incurred，

He slipped the lock and let the dragon free.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Cao Cao，his army lost，fled to Huarong，

There in the narrow path he met Guan Yu.

Unable to forget his great kindness，

Guan Yu freed the dragon in plight.

(虞苏美)

黄忠颂(第五十三回)

将军气概与天参，白发犹然困汉南。

至死甘心无怨望，临降低首尚怀惭。

宝刀灿雪彰神勇，铁骑临风忆战酣。

千古高名应不泯，长随孤月照湘潭。

(1)

Lofty as is heaven above earth was the spirit of the captain，

Who，even in his old age，suffered sorrows in the south；

Cheerfully had he approached death，with no thought of resentment，

But，bowing before the conquerer，he hung his head and was ashamed.

Praise the sword，gleaming snow-white，and the glory of super-human brav ery，

Consider the mail-clad steed snuffing the wind and rejoicing in the battle，

That warrior's name shall stand high and its brightness be undiminished，

While the cold moon sheds her light on the waters of Hsiang and T'an.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

His martial powers set him high as Heaven，

Yet in the end this greybeard went in bonds.

Resigned to death，he held no man to blame；

Surrender made him hang his head in shame.

His dazzling sword bespoke demonic daring；

His barded mount，wind-breathing，inspired his combat-lust.

This hero's noble name defies oblivion，

Trailing the orphan moon above the Xiang and Tan.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Lofty as Heaven was the spirit of the warrior，

Who，even in his old age，defended the south；

Calmly had he approached death，with no thought of resentment，

But，bowing before the conqueror，he hung his head in shame.

Praise the sword，gleaming snow-white，and the glory of superhuman brav ery，

Consider the mail-clad steed sniffing the wind and rejoicing in the battle，

That warrior's name will stand high and its brightness be undiminished，

While the cold moon sheds her light on the waters of Xiang and Tan.

(虞苏美)

太史慈之死(第五十三回)

矢志全忠孝，东莱太史慈：

姓名昭远塞，弓马震雄师；

北海酬恩日，神亭酣战时。

临终言壮志，千古共嗟咨!

(1)

Single minded and perfectly loyal，

Such was T'aishih，in Tunglai born，

Far distant frontiers rang with his exploits，

Riding or archery，all men he excelled，

One in Pohai who admired his valour

Cared for his mother while he was fighting，

How he joyed in the battle at Shênt'ing!

Dying，he spake as a hero；

All through the ages men sigh for his fate.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Loyal and true，this dedicated son—

Taishi Ci of Donglai earns our praise.

His name lent glory to the far frontiers；

His bow and horse confounded mighty foes.

For Kong Rong，his mother's comforter，

Heartily he fought，requiting courtesy.

His final stand bespoke a sturdy will.

In every age he draws men's sympathy.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

A filial son and a loyal officer，

Such was Taishi Ci，in Donglai was he born，

Far distant frontiers rang with his exploits，

Riding or archery，all men he excelled，

His righteous deeds in Beihai were well remembered，

His true valor at Shenting was by all admired.

Dying，he spoke of his unfulfilled aspirations，

All through the ages men sigh for his doleful fate.

(虞苏美)

恨石(第五十四回)

宝剑落时山石断，金环响处火光生。

两朝旺气皆天数，从此乾坤鼎足成。

(1)

The shining blades fell and the rock was shorn through，

The metal rang clear and the sparks widely flew.

Thus fate then declared for the dynasties two

And the tripartite rule there began.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The treasured sword，the rock that split in two，

Engendering sparks where two sharp blades struck true：

Two houses'fortune Heaven here ordained；

From this moment，threefold power reigned.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The shining blades fell and the rock was shorn through，

The metal rang clear and the sparks widely flew.

Thus fate then declared for the dynasties two

And there began the tripartite rule.

(虞苏美)

甘露寺览胜(第五十四回)

江山雨霁拥青螺，境界无忧乐最多。

昔日英雄凝目处，岩崖依旧抵风波。

(1)

From the river-side hills the rain clears off，

And the black clouds roll away，

And this is the place of joy and mirth

And never can sorrow stay.

And here two heroes of ages past

Decided their parts to play，

And the lofty heights flung back wind and wave

Then，as they do today.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Rain clearing o'er the scape；winecup firm in hand.

Our realm is free of care；content prevails.

Where long ago two heroes fixed their gaze

Stony cliffs still beat back wind-blown waves.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

After the rain the water and hills look serene，

And the black clouds roll away，

And this is the place of joy and mirth

Never can sorrow stay.

Here two heroes of ages past

Decided their parts to play，

The rocks flung back wind and wave

Then，as they do today

(虞苏美)

驻马坡(第五十四回)

驰骤龙驹气概多，二人并辔望山河。

东吴西蜀成王霸，千古犹存驻马坡。

(1)

Their galloping steeds were of noble breed，

And both of spirit high，

And the riders twain from the hill-crest gazed

At the river rolling by.

One of them mastered the far off west，

One ruled by the eastern sea；

And the name of the hill to this very day

Brings back their memory.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

What spirit in their charging dragon-steeds!

Mounted side by side，they viewed the hills and vales：

For Wu and Shu—east，west—two hegemons.

And the Halting Hill remains，untouched by eons.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Their galloping steeds were of noble breed，

And both of spirit high，

And the riders twain from the hill crest gazed

At the river rolling by

One of them mastered the far off west，

One ruled by the eastern sea；

And the name of the hill to this very day

Brings back to mind their feat.

(虞苏美)

刘郎浦口号(第五十五回)

吴蜀成婚此水浔，明珠步障屋黄金。

谁知一女轻天下，欲易刘郎鼎峙心。

(1)

By the bank of the deep flowing Yangtse

Once was a wedding，

And the ruling houses of two states yet to be

Were allied by marriage.

See the beautiful maiden stepping slowly

To the golden bridal chamber!

Yet was the marriage but a ruse.

Its author vainly imagined that a hero，

Sinking in amorous toils，

Would forget his high intent and great resolve.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Upon these shores the South and West were wed：

Pearl-screened paths and golden rooms were shared.

None thought the girl would spurn her status royal，

Of those who meant Liu's kingly mind to guile.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

By the bank of the deep flowing Yangtze

Once was a wedding，

And the ruling houses of two states yet to be

Were allied by marriage.

See the beautiful maiden stepping slowly

To the golden bridal chamber.

Yet was the marriage but a ruse.

Its author vainly imagined that a hero，

Sinking in amorous toils，

Would forget his high intent and great resolve.

(虞苏美)

放言(第五十六回)

周公恐惧流言日，王莽谦恭下士时；

假使当初身便死，一生真伪有谁知？

(1)

Had Duke Chou，the virtuous，died，while foul-mouthed slander

was spreading her vile rumours；

Or Wang Mang，the treacherous，while he was noted for the

deference paid to learned men；

None would have known their real characters.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Once Zhougong feared the slander of the world；

Once Wang Mang treated scholars with respect.

What if they had perished then，misjudged，

Their chronicles forever incorrect？

(Moss Roberts)

周瑜决策取荆州(第五十六回)

周瑜决策取荆州，诸葛先知第一筹。指望长江香饵稳，不知暗里钓鱼钩。

(1)

Let Chou Yülay what plans he will，

K'ung-ming anticipates his skill；

That river land fair bait did look，

But he forgot the hidden hook.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Zhou Yu framed a plan to take Jingzhou

Whose opening move Liang knew from history.

Yu thinks his bait secure below the tide；

The hook that's meant for him he does not see!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Let Zhou Yu lay what plans he will，

His rival anticipated his skill；

Fair his bait did seem to look，

But he forgot the hidden hook.

(虞苏美)

周瑜之死(第五十七回)

赤壁遗雄烈，青年有俊声。

弦歌知雅意，杯酒谢良朋，

曾谒三千斛，常驱十万兵。

巴丘终命处，凭吊欲伤情。

(1)

The battle at Ch'ihpi made him famous；

Though young in years he gained a veteran's reputation.

Deep feeling，his music declared its intensity；

Subtle，with excess hospitality he foiled a plot；

Persuasive，he once obtained a large gift of grain；

Capable，he led an army，of millions.

Pach'iu was his deathbed，there his fate met him.

Sadly indeed they mourned him.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Glory had crowned this hero since Red Cliffs，

From earliest years hailed a champion.

In lute-set song he showed his sense of grace；

With cup in hand he bade his friend farewell.

Three thousand bushels from Lu Su he once begged；

Ten legions took the field at his command.

Baqiu，now Zhou Yu's final resting place，

Still draws men who mourn in heartfelt grief

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

At the battle of the Red Cliff he made his name；

Though young in years a veteran's renown he gained.

In songs his lofty aspirations are unveiled；

With hospitality he entertained his friends.

Persuasive，he once obtained a large gift of grain；

Capable，he led an army of tens of thousands.

Baqiu was his deathbed，there his fate found him.

Sadly，indeed，people mourned him.

(虞苏美)

双雄难并(第五十七回)

卧龙南阳睡未醒，又添列曜下舒城。

苍天既已生公瑾，尘世何须出孔明!

(1)

Before the Sleeping Dragon emerged from his Nanyang retreat

Many brilliant men had descended upon this earth；

Since，O azure Heaven，ye made Kung-ching

Why needed dusty earth produce a K'ung-ming？

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Before Nanyang's Sleeping Dragon woke，

Another star was born in Shucheng town.

When fair blue sky brought Gongjin into being，

Did sullied earth have to make Kongming？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Before the Sleeping Dragon emerged from his Nanyang retreat

Many brilliant men had descended upon this earth；

Since，Oh azure Heaven，you made Zhou Yu

Why needed dusty earth produce a Zhuge Liang？

(虞苏美)

马腾之死(第五十七回)

父子齐芳烈，忠贞着一门。

捐生图国难，誓死答君恩。

嚼血盟言在，诛奸义状存。

西凉推世胄，不愧伏波孙!

(1)

The son and father share one niche of fame，

For purest loyalty their praise the same.

To their own hurt the rebels they withstood，

Content to die to make their pledges good.

In blood the solemn oath they did indite

To slay the wicked and preserve the right.

A worthy father's worthy son by western bride，

Old Fu—po's name his grandson glorified.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Equal glory for the father and the sons!

Loyal and pure，they dignified their house.

They gave their lives to keep the royal house safe；

Their plighted faith requites their liege lord's love.

The sacred oath，blood-written，still remains；

The pact to punish treachery still stands.

This scion of Xiliang

Was worthy of the Sea Tamer Ma Yuan.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Father and sons share one niche of fame，

For purest loyalty their praise the same.

To their own harm the rebels they withstood，

Content to die to make their pledge good.

In blood the solemn oath they did indite

To slay the wicked and preserve the right.

A distinguished family from the west，

Old general's name his descendants glorified.

(虞苏美)

苗泽遭斩(第五十七回)

苗泽因私害荩臣，春香未得反伤身。

奸雄亦不相容恕，枉自图谋作小人。

(1)

Through passion base a loyal man was slain，

And she who shared his passion shared his fate；

The man they served was pitiless in hate，

And thus a mean man's treachery was vain.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

For lust Miao Ze condemned the loyalist：

He gained no bride，and Cao Cao sealed his doom.

Not even a vicious tyrant could condone

The base and futile plan Miao Ze had spun.

(Moss Roberts)

割须弃袍(第五十八回)

潼关战败望风逃，孟德怆惶脱锦袍。

剑割髭髯应丧胆，马超声价盖天高。

(1)

Panic seized upon the soldiers at T'ung Pass；

Frightened，Mêng-têflung off his brocade robe

And，terror-stricken，sawed his beard off with a sword.

The fame of Ma Ch'ao rose even to the sky.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

For Cao Cao，dire defeat and frantic flight：

He shed his gorgeous surcoat for disguise

And hacked his beard，driven by his fright，

While Ma Chao's fame was mounting to the skies.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Panic seized upon the soldiers at Tong Pass；

Frightened，Cao Cao flung off his brocade dress，

And sawed his beard short with a sword.

The fame of Ma Chao rose high to the sky.

(虞苏美)

西川才子(第六十回)

古怪形容异，清高体貌疏。

语倾三峡水，目视十行书。

胆量魁西蜀，文章贯太虚。

百家并诸子，一览更无余。

(1)

He boasted not a handsome face，

Nor was his body blessed with grace.

His words streamed like a waterfall，

He read a book and knew it all.

Shu's glories could he well rehearse，

His lore embraced the universe.

Or text or note of scholiast

Once read，his memory held fast.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

A cranky man，peculiar to describe：

Pure and upright，but coarse in countenance，

Whose words poured forth like rapids through the gorge，

Who mastered pages in a single glance.

His courage topped them all in western Shu.

To every learned sphere he stretched his pen.

In philosophy and literature he was read，

So widely that no point escaped his ken.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He boasted not a handsome face，

Nor was his body blessed with grace.

His words streamed like a waterfall，

He read only once and knew it all.

Shu's glories could he well rehearse，

His lore embraced the universe.

Of texts or notes of scholars

Once read，his memory held fast.

(虞苏美)

王累之死(第六十回)

倒挂城门捧谏章，拚将一死报刘璋。

黄权折齿终降备，矢节何如王累刚!

(1)

Head downwards at the city gate one hung，

A last remonstrance in his outstretched hand，

Resolved that，were his words rejected，he

Would not survive defeat.Sincere was he

Who，desperate，held to Liu Chang's silken robe

Until his broken teeth released their grip.

Sincere indeed，but how can he compare

With stern Wang Lei，who went to awful death？

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Suspended from the city gate，the protest note in hand，

So he chose to die in the service of Liu Zhang.

Huang Quan，with his broken teeth，gave in at the end；

Wang Lei alone exemplifies fidelity unstained.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Head downwards at the city gate he hung，

A last petition in his outstretched hand，

Resolved that，were his words rejected，he

Would repay his master by his own death.

Loyal，too，was the other who lost his teeth

But submitted to Liu Bei in the end.

Sincere indeed，but how can he compare

With staunch Wang Lei，who remained true to the end？

(虞苏美)

截江夺主赞赵云(第六十一回)

昔年救主在当阳，今日飞身向大江。

船上吴兵皆胆裂，子龙英勇世无双!

(1)

Some years before，Chao saved O-tou，

What time his mother died；

Again like service he performs，

Upon the Yangtse's tide.

The men of Wu all in the ship，

Were stricken down with fear，

Search all the world，you never find

Of bold Chao Yun the peer.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

In Dangyang once he saved the little heir；

Now he hurls himself upon the Jiang.

The southern sailors feel their spirits die

Before the prowess of this paragon.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Some years before，he saved the child，

That time his mother died；

Again like service he performs，

Upon the Yangtze's tide.

The men of Wu all in the ship，

Were stricken down with fear，

Search all the world，you'll never find

Of bold Zhao Yun the peer.

(虞苏美)

截江夺主赞张飞（第六十一回）

长坂桥边怒气腾，一声虎啸退曹兵。

今朝江上扶危主，青史应传万载名。

(1)

At Long Slope Bridge，

With rage Fei boiled，

Like wild beast roared，

And men recoiled.

From danger now

His prince is saved.

On history's page

His name is graved.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Once by Steepslope Bridge at fury's pitch

The tiger growled and Cao's men gave ground.

Today he stands beside his menaced prince

And makes a name for evermore renowned.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

At Long Slope Bridge，

With rage he boiled，

Like wild beast roared，

And men recoiled.

From danger now

His prince is saved.

On history's page

His name is engraved.

(虞苏美)

荀彧之死（第六十一回）

文若才华天下闻，可怜失足在权门。

后人休把留侯比，临没无颜见汉君。

(1)

Wen-jo's talents were to all men known，

′Twas sad that at the door of power he tripped.

Posterity is wrong to class him with the noble Liu，

For，nearing death，he dared not face his lord of Han.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

A splendid talent，admired of all men!

His folly lay in serving Cao Cao's power.

Liken him not to Zhang Liang，Lord of Liu：

Wenmo was'shamed to face Han's Emperor!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Xun Yu's talents were to all men known，

′Twas sad that at the door of power he tripped.

Posterity is wrong to class him with Lord Liu，

For，nearing death，he dared not face his prince of Han.

(虞苏美)

张松之死(第六十二回)

一览无遗世所稀，谁知书信泄天机。

未观玄德兴王业，先向成都血染衣。

(1)

Chang was quick of comprehension，such as he have been but few，

Little thought he that a letter would betray

When he plotted for another.But success he never knew，

For himself there opened out a gory way.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Though gifted with a memory most rare，

Zhang Song let the crucial secret fall.

Before Xuande's kingly cause was crowned，

He fell to bloody swords before his town.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Zhang was quick of comprehension，his equals but few，

Little did he think that a letter would betray

His plot for another.But success he ne'er knew，

For himself death was his fate on that bloody day.

(虞苏美)

庞统之死(第六十三回)

古岘相连紫翠堆，士元有宅傍山隈。

儿童惯识呼鸠曲，闾巷曾闻展骥才。

预计三分平刻削，长驱万里独徘徊。

谁知天狗流星坠，不使将军衣锦回。

(1)

Deep in the blue recesses of the hills

Lay hid the modest cot of Shih-yuan.

But now each village urchin knows his story，

And any village rustic tells his exploits.

He knew the empire must be triply rent，

And far he travelled lonely，to and fro.

None knew that Heaven would cast down his star，

Forbidding his return in glory clad.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Afar，old Xian Hill in a hazy pile；

In one snug nook，the home Pang Tong once knew.

There lads could tell the turtledove's homing call，

And news of his great deeds was known by all.

Pang Tong foretold a kingdom cut in thirds：

Far he sought but never found his place.

Alas，that savage Sky Dog charging down

Never let him have his proud return.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Deep in the blue recesses of the hills

Lay hid the modest hut of Pang Tong.

Each village urchin knew his story，

And any village rustic told his exploits.

He knew the empire must be triply rent，

And far he traveled lonely，to and fro.

None knew that Heaven would cast down his star，

Forbidding his return in glory clad.

(虞苏美)

严颜降蜀(第六十三回)

白发居西蜀，清名震大邦。

忠心如皎月，浩气卷长江。

宁可断头死，安能屈膝降？

巴州年老将，天下更无双。

(1)

A graybeard ruled in western Shu，

Clear fame is his the whole world through，

As radiant sun his loyalty，

Unmatched his soul's nobility.

When captive taken rather he

Would suffer death than crook his knee.

Pachou he ruled for many a year，

The world cannot produce his peer

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

This grand，grey man of Riverlands，

Whose spotless name the whole realm knows，

Proved constant as the bright and lofty moon；

Within the Jiang his might spirit rolls.

He'd part with his head but would not give

His knee in base subjection curled.

Age-honored general of Bazhou，

Who can find his equal in this world？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

A graybeard ruled in Western Shu，

Clear fame is his the whole world through，

As radiant sun his loyalty，

Unmatched his soul's nobility.

When captive taken rather he

Would suffer death than crook his knee.

Bazhou he ruled for many a year，

The world cannot produce his peer.

(虞苏美)

张飞取巴郡(第六十三回)

生获严颜勇绝伦，惟凭义气服军民。

至今庙貌留巴蜀，社酒鸡豚日日春。

(1)

Yen Yen made prisoner，then the matchless one

Exchanged the sword for reason，and so won

The place he holds among the sacred ones

Of Shu，to whom they sacrifice today.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Bravest of all for taking Yan Yan alive，

Valiant Zhang Fei won the hearts of all.

Today in western shrines his image we revere，

Where services keep springtime round the year？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Valiant was he to capture Yan alive，

And with kindness he won the people's hearts.

His statues in the temples of Shu remain

His fine deeds are honored even today.

(虞苏美)

张任之死(第六十四回)

烈士岂甘从二主，张君忠勇死犹生。

高明正似天边月，夜夜流光照雒城。

(1)

No second lord the heroic servant knows，

The way of death Chang Jen contented goes.

Clear shines his fame as doth the heavenly moon

That nightly lights the ramparts of Lo Town.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

No constant man consents to serve two lords；

Loyal and brave，he died a deathless death.

Now he shines like the heavens'circling moon，

Lighting up the City Luo beneath.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

No second lord the heroic martyr knows，

Though dead，still lives the warrior loyal and bold.

Clear shines his honor as doth the heavenly moon

That nightly lights the ramparts of Luocheng.

(虞苏美)

单刀赴会(第六十六回)

藐视吴臣若小儿，单刀赴会敢平欺。

当年一段英雄气，尤胜相如在渑池。

(1)

He showed his contempt for the men of the east

By going alone to their traitor feast；

He met contempt with distain.

To grain his end his pride he controlled，

As Hsiang-ju of old he was also bolder；

′Twas the Mien Lake game played again.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Less than men to him were southern liege men；

Alone，he faced them down right at their feast.

By this display of his heroic vein，

Xiangru's feat at Mianchi was surpassed.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He showed his contempt for the men of the east

By going alone to their evil feast.

So heroic was he at the banquet，

Even Xiangru of old was not his match.

(虞苏美)

华歆收捕伏皇后(第六十六回)

华歆当日逞凶谋，破壁生将母后收。

助虐一朝添虎翼，骂名千载笑龙头!

(1)

′Twas a dastardly thing that Hua Hsin did，

When he broke down the wall where the Empress hid

And dragged her forth by the hair.

He lent his aid to a foul，foul crime

And execrations throughout all time，

Have been，and shall be，his share.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Hua Xin furthered Cao Cao's foulest scheme：

Breaking down the wall，he seized the queen.

For one day spent，Cao's cruelty to abet：

A name forever cursed，"Dragon Pate".

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

′Twas a despicable thing that Hua Xin did，

When he broke down the wall where the Empress hid

And dragged her forth by the hair.

He lent his aid to a foul，foul crime

And denunciations throughout all time，

Have been，and will be，his share.

(虞苏美)

赞管宁(第六十六回)

辽东传有管宁楼，人去楼空名独留。

笑杀子鱼贪富贵，岂如白帽自风流。

(1)

East of the Liao，so stories tell

Is Kuan Ning's tower，where long he dwelt.

Ignoble wealth was Hua Hsin's quest，

The hermit's simple life was best.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Liaodong still keeps historic Guan Ning House；

The name alone survives，no dweller there.

He scorned the wealth and fame that Hua Xin craved，

Who never had the"White Cap's"manly air.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

East of the Liao，so stories tell

Is Guan Ning's Tower，where long he dwelt.

The tower is empty when he is no more

But his fine name lives on.

Ignoble wealth was Hua Xin's quest，

The hermit's simple life was best.

(虞苏美)

曹瞒凶残世所无(第六十六回)

曹瞒凶残世所无，伏完忠义欲何如。

可怜帝后分离处，不及民间妇与夫!

(1)

As Ts'ao stands first in cruelty，

So stands Fu Wan in loyalty.

A married pair of low estate，

Had not been torn apart by fate.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Once in an age a man so fell and creel!—

Though loyal and true，Fu Wan could not oppose.

We sorrow for the sundered king and queen：

A better life a common couple knows.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

As Cao stands first in cruelty，

So stands Fu Wan in loyalty.

A married pair of low estate，

Is better than the royal couple in fate.

(虞苏美)

杨松遭斩(第六十七回)

妨贤卖主逞奇功，积得金银总是空。

家未荣华身受戮，令人千载笑杨松!

(1)

To harm the wise and compass the death of one's lord may appear signal service，

But the gains thereof are vanity；

No glory clings to his house of him who dies a shameful death，

Wherefore Yang Sung is an object of contempt forever.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Thwarter of able men，betrayer of his lord，

Hoarder of gold and silver—all for naught!

No glory for his house，his death a shame—

A laughingstock for all and for all time.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He slandered the able and betrayed his lord，

But what he gained was of no use in the end.

Before glory came to his house he died a shameful death；

And he is an object of contempt for ages to come.

(虞苏美)

孙权逍遥津跃马(第六十七回)

的卢当日跳檀溪，又见吴侯败合淝。

退后着鞭驰骏骑，逍遥津上玉龙飞。

(1)

Once Tilu leapt across T'an Torrent wide，

And when defeat did Sun of Wu betide，

And death came threateningly at Ch'aoyao Ford，

His steed too leapt，and saved him from the sword.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Once White Forehead took Liu Bei o'er the Tan；

And then Lord Sun vaulted onto land.

He pulled back，lain on，sprinted hard；

At Xiaoyao Ford a jade dragon soared.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Once Dilu leapt across the Tan Stream wide.

Now when defeat did Sun of Wu betide，

And death came threateningly at Xiaoyao Ford，

His steed too leapt，and saved him from the sword.

(虞苏美)

百翎贯寨(第六十八回)

鼙鼓声喧震地来，吴师到处鬼神哀!

百翎直贯曹家寨，尽说甘宁虎将才。

(1)

The drums of war make earth to shake

When Wu comes near e'en devils quake.

Men long will tell of that night raid，

That Kan Ning's goose-plumed warriors made.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Army drums a—beating shook the ground；

Southland soldiers struck；ghosts and spirits howled.

Those hundred goose-plumes deep behind Cao's line

Testified to Gan Ning's martial power.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The drums of war make earth to shake，

When Wu comes near even devils quake.

Men long will tell of that night raid，

That Gan Ning's goose-plumed warriors made.

(虞苏美)

赞崔琰(第六十八回)

清河崔琰：天性坚刚；

虬髯虎目，铁石心肠；

奸邪辟易，声节显昂；

忠于汉主，千古名扬!

(1)

Ts'ui Yen was born in Ch'ingho，

Firm and unyielding was he，

With beard crisp curling and gleaming eyes，

Which showed the man of stone and iron within.

He drave the evil from his presence，

And his glory is fair and high.

For loyalty to his lord of Han，

His fame shall increase as the ages roll.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Cui Yan of Qinghe，

By nature hard and strong，

Had curly beard and tiger eyes

And insides hard as iron.

Treachery must back away

Before his high integrity.

For loyalty to the lord of Han

His name will live eternally.

(Moss Roberts)

左慈戏曹(第六十九回)

飞步凌云遍九州，独凭遁甲自遨游。

等闲施设神仙术，点悟曹瞒不转头。

(1)

He studied his magical books，

He was learned in mystical lore，

And with magical fleetness of foot

He could travel the wide world o'er.

The magical arts that he knew，

He employed in an earnest essay

To reform the bad heart of Ts'ao Man.

But in vain；Ts'ao held on his way.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

He sprang to cloud and swept around our realm，

Freely，harmless，avoiding days malign.

Casually he worked his conjuries；

But Cao Cao never understood his signs.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He studied his magical books，

He was learned in mystical lore，

And with magical fleetness of foot

He could travel the wide world o'er.

The mystic arts that he knew，

He employed in an earnest essay

To reform the bad heart of Cao，

But in vain；Cao held to his way.

(虞苏美)

赞管辂(第六十九回)

平原神卜管公明，能算南辰北斗星。

八封幽微通鬼窍，六爻玄奥究天庭。

预知相法应无寿，自觉心源极有灵。

可惜当年奇异术，后人无复授遗经。

(1)

Kuan Lu was a seer of old，

Stars to him their secrets told.

Mysteries，occult and dim，

were as daylight unto him.

His so subtle intellect

Could the shade of death detect，

But the secrets of his skill

Died with him，—are secrets still.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Guan Lu(Gongming)，of Pingyuan，was a seer

Who kenned the stars of north and southern poles.

By the trigrams'arcana he reached the occult realm；

By hexagrams'mystery he probed the house of Heaven.

His predictions and readings sensed those doomed；

His innermost depths could activate the spirits.

Alas，the secrets of his ingenuity

Were never written down for posterity.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Guan Lu was a seer of old，

Stars to him their secrets told.

Mysteries，occult and dim，

Were as daylight unto him.

His subtlest intellect

Could the shade of death detect，

But the secrets of his skill

Died with him—and are secrets still.

(虞苏美)

五臣死节(第六十九回)

耿纪精忠韦晃贤，各持空手欲扶天。

谁知汉祚相将尽，恨满心胸丧九泉。

(1)

Who can with outstretched hands uphold the sky

Or thrones maintain by simple loyalty？

Han's day was done；two would avert the doom，

But failed，and carried anger to the tomb.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Geng Ji，loyalty pure；Wei Huang，integrity—

With bare hands struggling to sustain the Han，

Not knowing the mandate was soon to cease，

Down to the Nether Springs they bring their grief.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Who can with outstretched hands uphold the sky

Or thrones maintain by simple loyalty？

Han's day was done；two would avert the doom，

But failed，they carried anger to their tombs.

(虞苏美)

赞黄忠(第七十一回)

苍头临大敌，皓首逞神威。

力趁雕弓发，风迎雪刃挥。

雄声如虎吼，骏马似龙飞。

献馘功勋重，开疆展帝畿。

(1)

Hoary headed is he，but he goes up to battle；

Gray haired，yet recklessly mighty；

With his strong arms he bends the bow，

The arrows fly.

With the swiftness of the wind he rides，

The white sword gleams.

The sound of his voice is as the roar of a tiger，

His steed is fleet as a dragon in flight.

Victory is his and its rich rewards，

For he extends the domain of his lord.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

He faced the foe，though old and greyed，

But，oh，what wondrous might displayed!

His arm to bend the bow availed；

He dashed ahead with snow-white blade.

His manly cry，a tiger's roar!

A winged dragon，his flying horse!

Yuan's head won him ample fame

For adding to the imperial realm.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Hoary headed is he，but he goes out to battle；

Gray haired，yet fearlessly mighty；

With his strong arms he bends the bow，

The arrows fly.

With the swiftness of the wind he rides，

The white sword gleams.

The sound of his voice is as the roar of a tiger，

His steed is swift as a dragon in flight.

Victory is his and its rich rewards，

For he extends the domain of his lord.

(虞苏美)

子龙一身都是胆(第七十一回)

昔日战长坂，威风犹未减。突阵显英雄，被围施勇敢。

鬼哭与神号，天惊并地惨。常山赵子龙，一身都是胆!

(1)

Behold Chao Yun，the warrior of Ch'angshan，

Whose whole body is valor；

Formerly he fought at Ch'angpan，

And his courage today is no less.

He rushes into the array to manifest his heroism；

Surrounded by his enemies，

He is dauntless and daring.

Devils howl and spirits cry，

The sky is afraid and earth trembles.

Such is Chao Yun，the brave，

Whose whole body is valor.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Then at Steepslope，no less now：

A mighty man of power，

Tearing the enemy lines，

Breaking through their traps.

Ghosts moaned below，spirits howled above；

Heaven quaked，and earth grieved sore.

Zhao Zilong of Changshan—

"Valor through and through：""

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Behold Zhao Yun，the warrior of Changshan，

Whose whole body is valor；

Once he fought at the Long Slope，

And his courage today is no less.

He rushes into the press

His heroism is the best.

Surrounded by his enemies，

He is dauntless and daring.

Devils howl and spirits cry，The sky is cowed and the earth trembles.Such is Zhao Yun，the brave，Whose whole body is valor.

(虞苏美)

杨修之死(第七十二回)

聪明杨德祖，世代继簪缨。笔下龙蛇走，胸中锦绣成。开谈惊四座，捷对冠群英。身死因才误，非关欲退兵。

(1)

Talented was Yang Hsiu，Born of an illustrious stock，His pen traced wonderful characters，In his breast were beautiful words.When he talked，his hearers were astonished，His alert responses overpast everyone.He died because of misdirected genius And not because he foretold retreat.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Brilliant and all-seeing was Yang Xiu；His family always wore the cap of state.Words from his brush sprang magically to life；And poetry took shape within his breast.He starts to speak：all hearers are amazed；His swift replies confound a brilliant throng.Alas，he died by his own talent wronged；Cao Cao's retreat was not the cause at all.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Talented was Yang Xiu，

Born of an illustrious stock，

His pen traced wonderful characters，

His breast nurtured beautiful words.

When he talked，his hearers were amazed，

In a repartee his quick wit excelled.

He died because of misdirected genius

And not because he foretold retreat.

(虞苏美)

水淹七军(第七十四回)

夜半征鼙响震天，襄樊平地作深渊。

关公神算谁能及，华夏威名万古传。

(1)

In the depth of night rolled the war drums，

Summoning the warriors as to battle：

But the enemy was no man，

For the waters had risen and the flood came.

This was the plan of Kuan Yu，the crafty，

To drown his enemies.More than human

was he in cunning.The ages hand on his fame

As his glory was told in his own day.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Battle drums beat hard throughout the night

As Lord Guan sent a flood across their flats.

Inspired tactics forced the foe's defeat：

Immortal now，the name the heartland feared.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

In the depth of night rolled the drums of war.

Flooded was the flat land around the city of Fan.

Guan Yu's plan to drown his foes had no match

And his prowess was told down the ages.

(虞苏美)

刮骨疗毒(第七十五回)

治病须分内外科，世间妙艺苦无多。

神威罕及惟关将，圣手能医说华佗。

(1)

Here as surgeons，there physicians，all boast their skill；

Bitter few are those that cure one when one's really ill.

As for superhuman valor rivals Kuan had none，

So for holy touch in healing Hua T'o stood alone.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Physic and surgery—two branches of one art—

The rare and subtle science of the mortal world.

For superhuman might，Lord Guan may take the crown；

For sacred skill in healing，Hua Tuo wins renown.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

There are physicians and surgeons，

But good doctors are rarely found.

As for superhuman rivals，Guan had none，

So for holy touch in healing Hua Tuo stood alone.

(虞苏美)

关羽之死(第七十七回)

汉末才无敌，云长独出群：

神威能奋武，儒雅更知文。

天日心如镜，春秋义薄云。

昭然垂万古，不止冠三分。

(1)

Peerless indeed was our Lord Kuan Yu，of the latter days，

Head and shoulders stood he out among the best；

Godlike and terrible in war，elegant and refined in peace，

Resplendent as the noonday sun in the heavens，

Haloed as are the noblest of those early days，

He stands，the brightest model for all ages，

And not only for the strenuous days he lived in.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Unrivaled in the latter years of Han，

Lord Guan towered high above all men.

Bold in arms by dint of godlike might，

He knew his letters in a scholar's right.

Like glare of day，his heart reflected true，

His Spring and Autumn honor touched the clouds—

A shining spirit to live through history，

Not just the crowning glory of a world in three.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Peerless indeed was Guan Yu of the latter days of Han，

Head and shoulders stood he out among the best；

Godlike and terrible he was in the arts of war，

Elegant and refined he was also well-versed in learning.

Resplendent as the noonday sun in the heavens，

Haloed as are the noblest of those early days，

He stands，the brightest model for all ages，

And not only for the strenuous days of his time.

(虞苏美)

士民争拜汉云长(第七十七回)

人杰惟追古解良，士民争拜汉云长。

桃园一日兄和弟，俎豆千秋帝与王。

气挟风雷无匹敌，志垂日月有光芒。

至今庙貌盈天下，古木寒鸦几夕阳。

(1)

Seek ye a noble one？Then take ye the way of Chiehliang，

Watch ye how all people revere Yun-ca'ang，

Each excelling others to honor him，

Him，one of the three brothers of the Peach Garden Oath，

Of whom two have won sacrifices，as Emperor and prince.

Incomparable，their aura spreads through the world；

They are resplendent as the great lights of the firmament；

Temples to our Lord Kuan abound，no village lacks one，

Their venerable trees at sundown are the resting places for birds.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

For the paragon of men，look back to Jieliang；

There men vie to honor Lord Guan of the Han.

For the peach grove brother oath he sealed one day，

A thousand autumns'tribute of royal rites.

His manly soul had power like wind or thunder；

His glowing purpose shone like sun or moon.

And now the realm abounds in statued shrines

With winter-braving crows on olden boughs.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

To seek a true hero，go to the ancient town of Jieliang，

See how all men revere Yun-chang.

By the Peach Garden oath he swore brotherhood with his prince，

And they enjoy offerings through all ages.

Incomparable，their aura spreads across the land；

Resplendent as the great lights of the firmament.

Temples to the noble warrior abound even today，

How many sunsets their venerable trees and birds have seen!

(虞苏美)

华佗之死(第七十八回)

华佗仙术比长桑，神识如窥垣一方。

惆怅人亡书亦绝，后人无复见青囊!

(1)

Hua T'o was the ablest of leeches

Like Chang Sung，who overtopped all，

He saw what diseases were lurking.

With a man's outermost wall.

Alas!that he died，and his writings

Passed beyond any man's ken，

With the famous Black Bag that contained them，

For he was a healer of men.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Hua Tuo's transcendent skill beyond compare

Enabled him to see inside of men.

Alas，his text was lost upon his death；

The book of cures was never seen again.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Hua Tuo was the ablest of leeches；

And his diagnoses topped them all.

Alas!that he died，and his Blue Book

Is lost forever to the sight of all.

(虞苏美)

三马同槽(第七十八回)

三马同槽事可疑，不知已植晋根基。

曹瞒空有奸雄略，岂识朝中司马师？

(1)

Ts'ao dreamed three steeds together fed，

The vision seers could not explain，

None guessed how soon，when Ts'ao was dead，

One dynasty would rule again.

Ah，yes，Ts'ao Ts'ao had vainly wrought；

Of none avail each wicked wile，

For，later，in Wei court，there fought

Against him one with equal guile.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Three horses at one trough troubled Cao Cao's mind；

Meanwhile，he overlooked the rooting tree of Jin.

How fruitless all his tyrant treachery.

The men who broke his clan came from within.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Cao dreamed three steeds together fed，

The vision seers could not explain.

None guessed how soon，when Cao was dead，

Another dynasty would rule the land.

Ah，yes；Cao Cao had vainly wrought；

Of none avail each wicked wile，

For，later，in Wei court，there fought

Against him one with equal guile.

(虞苏美)

邺中歌(第七十八回)

邺则邺城水漳水，定有异人从此起：

雄谋韵事与文心，君臣兄弟而父子；

英雄未有俗胸中，出没岂随人眼底？

功首罪魁非两人，遗臭流芳本一身；

文章有神霸有气，岂能苟尔化为群？

横流筑台距太行，气与理势相低昂；

安有斯人不作逆，小不为霸大不王？

霸王降作儿女鸣，无可奈何中不平；

向帐明知非有益，分香未可谓无情。

呜呼!古人作事无巨细，寂寞豪华皆有意；

书生轻议冢中人，冢中笑尔书生气!

(1)

I stood in Yeh and saw the River Change

Go gliding by.Methought no common man

E'er rose from such a place.Or he was great

In war，a poet，or an artist skilled.

Perchance a model minister，or son，

Or famous for fraternal duty shown.

The thoughts of heroes are not ours to judge，

Nor are their actions for our eyes to see.

A man may stand the first in merit；then

His crimes may brand him chief of criminals.

And so his reputation's fair and foul；

His literary gifts may bear the mark

Of genius；he may be a ruler born；

But this is certain；he will stand above

His fellows，herding not with common men.

Takes he the field，then is he bold in fight；

Would he a mansion build，a palace springs.

In all things great，his genius masters him.

And such was Ts'ao Ts'ao.He could never be

Obedient；he a rebel was，foredoomed.

He seized and ruled，but hungered for more power；

Became a prince，and still was not content.

And yet this man of glorious career

When gripped by sickness，wept as might a child.

Full well he knew，when on the bed of death，

That all is vanity and nothing worth.

His latest acts were kindly.Simple gifts

Of fragrant incense gave he to the maids.

Ah!me

The ancients'splendid deeds or secret thoughts

We may not measure with our puny rule.

But criticize them，pedants，as ye may

The mighty dead will smile at what you say.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

From Ye，the Ye that stands upon the Zhang，

Was sure to come a greatly gifted man：

Grand schemes and poetry from his genius sprang—

Genius shared by liege men，brothers，sons!

The hero who transcends the common scope

Can't tailor his career to please the world.

High merit and great evil—from a single hand，

Fair honors with foulest crime conjoined.

In letters，divine powers；as hegemon，great force—

Could he tamely blend among the mass？

Athwart the tide by Taihang he built towers；

The buildings'spirit fit their setting well.

Here was a man to challenge all tradition!

First he rose to hegemon，then to king.

But in decline he whined as any child.

He can fight no more；fate ordains his lot.

Turning to his womenfolk，he has no hope of help.

Doling out the rare perfumes—call him not unkind.

Alas!Great men of old took care in every deed；

Deserted or in pomp，their purposes held firm.

The pedant lightly speaks about the dead；

From the grave they mock his pedant's airs.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

I stood in Ye and saw the Zhang River

Go gliding by.Methought no common man

E'er rose from such a place.Or he was great

In war，a poet，or an artist skilled.

Perchance a model minister，or son，

Or famous for fraternal duty shown.

The thoughts of heroes are not ours to judge，

Nor are their actions for our eyes to see.

The man may be the first in merit，yet

His crimes may brand him chief of criminals；

And so his reputation is fair and foul.

His literary gifts may bear the mark

Of genius；he may be a ruler born，

But this is certain：he will stand above

His fellows，herding not with common men.

Takes he the field，then is he bold in fight；

Would he a mansion build，a palace springs.

In all things great，his genius masters him.

And such was Cao Cao.He could never be

Obedient；he a rebel was，foredoomed.

He seized and ruled，but hungered for power more；

Became a prince，and still was not content.

And yet this man of glorious career

When gripped by sickness，wept as might a child.

Full well he knew，when on the bed of death，

That all is vanity and nothing worth.

His latest acts were kindly.Simple gifts

Of fragrant spices gave he to his maids.

Alas!

The ancients'splendid deeds or secret thoughts

We may not measure against our puny rule.

But criticize them，pedants，as you may

The mighty dead will smile at what you say.

(虞苏美)

于禁不忠(第七十九回)

三十年来说旧交，可怜临难不忠曹。

知人未向心中识，画虎今从骨里描。

(1)

War waged he for many a year，

Yet fell prey to craven fear.

None can know another's heart，

Drawing tigers，with bones start.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Thirty years bespeaks a friendship rare；

But facing death，Jin proved disloyal to Cao.

Cao Cao never saw into his heart.

To paint a tiger，the bones are where to start.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

A loyal follower for thirty years，

Yet fell traitor in peril out of fear.

None can know another's heart，

Drawing tigers，with bones start.

(虞苏美)

斗牛图(第七十九回)

两肉齐道行，头上带凹骨。

相遇块山下，郯起相搪突。

二敌不俱刚，一肉卧土窟。

非是力不如，盛气不泄毕。

(1)

Two butcher's victims lowing walked along，

Each head bore curving bones，a sturdy pair，

They met just by a hillock，both were strong，

Each would avoid a pit new digged there.

They fought unequal battle，for at length

One lay below a gory mass，inert.

′Twas not that they were of unequal strength—

Though wrathful both，one did not strength exert.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Upon a narrow road two meat hunks closed

(A U—bone topped each head)

And met by a mound of dirt：

In a flash they butted and gored.

Two foes，but one less tough—

That meat prone in a pit.

Not that his might was less，

But his vital force had been clipped.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Two animals plod homeward to their barns，

Each bore on his head curving bones，

By the foot of a hill they met，

And they fell into a dissent.

But unmatched in firmness of heart，

One soon lay below a hollow in the dirt.

′Twas not that they were of unequal might

Though wrathful both，one did not strength exert.

(虞苏美)

七步诗(第七十九回)

煮豆燃豆萁，豆在釜中泣。

本是同根生，相煎何太急!

(1)

They were boiling beans on a beanstalk fire；

Came a plaintive voice from the pot，

"O why，since we sprang from the selfsame root，

Should you kill me with anger hot？"

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Beans asimmer on a beanstalk flame

From inside the pot expressed their ire：

"Alive we sprouted on a single root—

What's your rush to cook us on the fire？"

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

They were boiling beans on a beanstalk fire；

Came a plaintive voice from the pot，

"Oh why，since we sprang from the selfsame root，

Should you press me with anger hot？"

(虞苏美)

祖弼尽忠(第七十九回)

奸宄专权汉室亡，诈称禅位效虞唐。

满朝百辟皆尊魏，仅见忠臣符宝郎。

(1)

Dethroned by wicked traitors was the ruling House of Han，

They falsely claimed as precedent the deeds of Yu and T'ang.

The crowd of officers at court were all on Ts'ao P'ei's side，

Save one，the Keeper of the Seal，and loyally he died.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Treachery reigned；the Han passed from the scene：

"Thus Yao yielded to Shun，"they falsely cried.

A courtful of courtiers paid homage to the Wei；

In defense of the seal a single vassal died.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Dethroned was the House of Han by wicked ministers，

Who falsely claimed to follow the deeds of Yu and Tang.

The crowd of officials at court were all on Wei's side

Save one，the keeper of the seal，and loyally he died.

(虞苏美)

曹丕禅汉(第七十九回)

两汉经营事颇难，一朝失却旧江山。

黄初欲学唐虞事，司马将来作样看。

(1)

The ruling policy of Han had failed them，

Dangers pressed in upon the House，

And the land they had held so long

Passed from them forever.

Little thought he，who then snatched their sceptre，

That the precedent he then claimed

Would be used in due time by another

To justify the destruction of his own House.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The two Hans'governance made a heavy task；

Then all at once they had no"hills and streams".

The Wei in Yao and Shun had found their model；

Too soon the Simas learned this lesson well.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

For two dynasties the Han reigned，

But the land was lost to them in a single day.

Little did he know，who then snatched their scepter，

That in time he would be replaced by another.

(虞苏美)

张飞之死(第八十一回)

安喜曾闻鞭督邮，黄巾扫尽佐炎刘。

虎牢关上声先震，长坂桥边水逆流。

义释严颜安蜀境，智欺张郃定中州。

伐吴未克身先死，秋草长遗阆地愁。

(1)

He who whipped th'inspector years ago，

Who swept vile rebels from the land of Han，

And thereby won great glory for the Lius，

Whose valor shone at Tiger Corral Pass，

Who turned the tide of victory at the bridge，

Who freed a captive and thus won a friend

That helped him and his brothers conquer Shu，

Whose wisdom to a district brought repose，

Is dead，the victim of assassins'blows.

Not his t'avenge his brother's death on Wu，

Langti will grieve him ail the ages through.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

At Anxi town he flogged the state inspector

And aided the Liu in clearing out the Scarves.

At Tiger Trap his voice rang clear and loud；

By Steepslope Bridge he turned back Cao Cao's horde.

His release of Yan Yan secured the Riverlands；

He tricked Zhang He and gave Liu Bei Hanzhong.

But by dying before the Southland could be won，

He left a lasting sadness in Langzhong.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He who whipped th'inspector years ago，

Who helped Han to sweep the rebels，

Whose prowess shone at Tigertrap Pass，

Whose roar frightened millions at Long Slope Bridge，

Who freed a captive and thus won a friend

That helped him and his brothers conquer Shu，

Whose wisdom to a district brought repose，

Is dead，the victim of assassins'blows，

‘Ere he could have avenged his brother's death.

Langzhou will grieve him all the ages through.

(虞苏美)

黄忠之死(第八十三回)

老将说黄忠，收川立大功。

重披金锁甲，双挽铁胎弓。

胆气惊河北，威名镇蜀中。

临亡头似雪，犹自显英雄。

(1)

First among veterans stands Huang Chung，

Who won great merit in the conquest of Shu.

Old，he still donned his coat of mail，

And laid his hand to the curving bow.

His valor was the talk of all the north，

Fear of his might maintained the new-won west.

Tardy he bowed his snow-white head to death，

Fighting to the end；in very truth a hero.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Huang Zhong，veteran general par excellence，

Won vast renown in the Riverlands campaigns.

He bore again his ringed and gilded mail；

His sturdy hands could strain a bow of steel.

Virile in war，he kept the north in fear；

His prodigies subdued the western sphere.

Though at the end his head was white as hoar，

He showed himself a hero all the more.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

First among veterans stands Huang Zhong，

Who won great merit in the conquest of Shu.

Old，he still donned his coat of mail，

And laid his hand to the curving bow.

His valor was the talk of all the north，

His fame spread across the newly-won west.

Tardy he bowed his snow-white head to death，

Fighting to the end—in very truth a hero.

(虞苏美)

甘宁之死(第八十三回)

吴郡甘兴霸，长江锦幔舟。

酬君重知己，报友化仇雠。

劫寨将轻骑，驱兵饮巨瓯。

神鸦能显圣，香火永千秋。

(1)

Kan Ning was first of warriors in Wu，

With silken sails he stemmed the Yangtse's tide，

Right loyally he served his prince，and true，

He made two ill friends put their hate aside.

Light horse led he by night a camp to raid，

And first he warmed his men with generous wine.

His resting place the solemn birds betrayed，

And fragrant incense smolders at his shrine.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

First among Southland heroes，Gan Xingba—

Feared along the Yangzi for his silken sails—

Pledged fealty to the lord who knew his worth，

And befriended the son of the man he slew.

Before his famous raid on Cao Cao's camp，

He let his fighting men carouse their fill.

Gan Ning's ghost ensouled those sacred crows；

His temple flame shall burn forevermore.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Gan Ning was first of warriors in Wu

With silken sails he stemmed the Yangtze's tide，

Right loyally he served his prince，and true，

For friendship's sake he saved his foe.

Light horse led he by night a camp to raid，

And first he warmed his men with generous wine.

His resting place the solemn birds betrayed，

And fragrant incense smolders at his shrine.

(虞苏美)

又显江南陆逊高(第八十四回)

虎帐谈兵按六韬，安排香饵钓鲸鳌。

三分自是多英俊，又显江南陆逊高。

(1)

The general discoursed on war，

According to the book；

Right craftily the bait for whales

Was put upon the hook.

When kingdoms three were carved out，

Though famous men were many，

Commander Lu of Chiangnan

At least stands high as any.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

He'd mastered war's six arts when he spoke before the chiefs；

Angling for one mighty fish，he set a tasty bait.

For this divided Kingdom now has paragons enough!

And shining high above them all—Lu Xun of the south.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The general discoursed on war，

According to the book.

Craftily the bait for the whale

Was put upon the hook.

Though famous men were many，

Commander Lu of the South

At least stands high as any.

(虞苏美)

火烧连营(第八十四回)

持矛举火破连营，玄德穷奔白帝城。

一旦威名惊蜀魏，吴王宁不敬书生。

(1)

He grips the spear，he kindles fire，the camps are swept away；

Liu Pei to the Paiti City flees，lonely and sad today.

But Lu Hsun's meteoric fame now shoots through Shu and Wei，

For bookish men the Prince of Wu has naught but good to say.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Spears in hand they torched the western camps：

A desperate Liu Bei dashed into Baidi.

By this one stroke Xun frightened Wei and Shu.

Could the king of Wu not honor scholar Lu？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He grips the spear and kindles fire，the camps are swept away.

Liu Bei to Baidi city flees，lonely and sad today.

But Lu Xun's meteoric fame now shoots through Shu and Wei，

For the scholar the Prince of Wu has naught but good to say.

(虞苏美)

赞傅彤(第八十四回)

彝陵吴蜀大交兵，陆逊施谋用火焚。

至死犹然骂吴狗，傅彤不愧汉将军。

(1)

Wu，at Iling，strove with Shu，

Flames，not swords，used crafty Lu.

Worthy of a place among

Han's bold captains is Fu Tung.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

By Yiling，Shu met Wu in heavy strife；

Then Lu Xun burned the western legions out.

‘Dogs of the south"was Fu Tong's final curse：

This general of Han did his title proud.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Wu，at Yiling，strove with Shu，

Flames，not swords，used crafty Lu.

Worthy of a place among

Han's bold captains is Fu Tong.

(虞苏美)

赞程畿(第八十四回)

慷慨蜀中程祭酒，身留一剑答君王。

临危不改平生志，博得声名万古香。

(1)

Noble among the warriors of Shu was Ch'eng Ch'i.

He kept his sword for the service of his prince.

When danger pressed near he wavered not，

Wherefore his fame remains forever bright.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The spirit—stirring elder lord of Shu

By his sword to his liege stayed true!

Till death his lifelong zeal did not abate；

The name he passes on will never fade.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Noble among the warriors of Shu was Cheng Ji.

He kept his sword for the service of his prince.

When danger pressed near he wavered not，

So his name remains forever honored.

(虞苏美)

赞冯习、张南(第八十四回)

冯习忠无二，张南义少双。

沙场甘战死，史册共流芳。

(1)

Feng Hsi was loyal without peer.

Chang Nan was righteous，few have equalled him.

In battle on the sandy shore they died，

And the histories record their deeds.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Than Feng Xi，who more loyal？

Than Zhang Nan，few more true!

On fighting fields full willingly they died.

The histories will cast their virtue wide.

(Moss Roberts)

孙氏殉夫(第八十四回)

先主兵归白帝城，夫人闻难独捐生。

至今江畔遗碑在，犹着千秋烈女名。

(1)

The king，defeated，fled，

And rumour said he'd died；

His consort in remorse

Committed suicide.

A carved stone now showeth where

And why this heroine died.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

"To Baidi the army of Han's repaired"—

She lay down her life when the tidings came.

Today by the river there stands a stone

To honor forever the martyr's name.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The king，defeated，fled，and rumor said he'd died；

His consort in deep grief committed suicide.

A stele stands by the stream even today

To tell all how heroic the lady had died.

(虞苏美)

八阵图(第八十四回)

功盖三分国，名成八阵图。

江流石不转，遗恨失吞吴。

(1)

Founder of a kingdom；no small praise

Is his；inventor of the Eight Arrays

And for that famous.On the river's brim，

Firm set，the boulders stand as placed by him.

No current rolls them down.Time's waters too

Drown not regret he did not conquer Wu.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Deeds to vault a thrice-torn realm，

Fame at peak with the Eightfold Maze，

Now steadfast stones in the river's run—

Monument to his rue

That his king had choked no Wu!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Founder of a kingdom；no small praise

Is his；inventor of the Eight Arrays

And for that famous.On the river's brim，

Firm set，the boulders stand as placed by him.

No current rolls them down.Time's waters，too

Drown not regret，he did not conquer Wu.

(虞苏美)

叹黄权(第八十五回)

降吴不可却降曹，忠义安能事两朝？

堪叹黄权惜一死，紫阳书法不轻饶。

(1)

′Twas a pity that Huang Ch'uan grudged to die；

Though he yielded to Wei，not Wu，

Yet he crooked the knee in an alien court.

Which the loyal cannot do.

And the judgment calm of history

Condemns such men all through.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Surrender not to Wu，then why to Cao？

Loyalty is to serve a single throne!

For Huang Quan thus to cherish his own life

Is something Zhu Xi's Gangmu can't condone.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

′Twas a pity that Huang Quan grudged to die；

Though he yielded to Wei，not Wu，

Yet he crooked the knee in an alien court，which the loyal will not do.

And the judgment of historians condemns such men all through.

(虞苏美)

刘备之死(第八十五回)

蜀主窥吴向三峡，崩年亦在永安宫。

翠华想象空山外，玉殿虚无野寺中。

古庙杉松巢水鹤，岁时伏腊走村翁。

武侯祠屋长邻近，一体君臣祭祀同。

(1)

The king set out to destroy the land that lay through the gorges，

Failed he and breathed his last in the palace"Eternal Tranquility"，

The palace fair of his thoughts lay not this side the highlands.

Beautiful chambers are vainly sought in his rural temple，

Now are the pines near his shrine nesting places for herons，

Through the courts aged peasants saunter，enjoying their leisure，

Nearby often is found a shrine to this strategist famous，

Prince and minister's needs are now but offerings in season.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

His view trained south，Shu's ruler graced Three Gorges

And two years thence was dead，in Yong'an Palace still.

Picture regal plumes upon those vacant hills；

How blank and bare his hall of state in a country shrine!

Fir and pine by the old fane keep cormorants

Till solstice feast days stir the old folks out：

With Kongming's sanctum always right next door，

In sacred union liege and man share the rites of worship.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The king set out to destroy the land that lay through the gorges，

Failed he and breathed his last in the Palace of Eternal Peace，

The luxurious palace in his thoughts lay beyond the highlands.

Beautiful chambers are vainly sought in his rural temple，

Now the pines near his shrine are nesting places for herons，

Through the courts aged peasants saunter，enjoying their leisure，

Nearby often is found a shrine to this famous strategist，

Prince and minister alike enjoy offerings in season.

(虞苏美)

泸水(第八十八回)

五月驱兵入不毛，月明泸水瘴烟高。

誓将雄略酬三顾，岂惮征蛮七纵劳。

(1)

In the fifth moon，when the sun is fierce，

Marched the army into the desert land，

Marched to the Lu River，bright and clear，

But deadly with miasma.

K'ung-ming the leader cared not，

Pledged was he to subdue the south

Thereby to repay deference with service.

Wherefore he attacked the Mans.

Yet seven times he freed their captured king.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

A fifth-month march into the southern heath，

On a moon-bright night as river vapors rose—

His bold design requites Liu Bei's three calls.

Unto seven times he dares to free his foes!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

In the fifth month he marched into the land wild，

The Lu River，deadly with miasma，is clear and bright.

But Zhuge Liang pledged to subdue the south

Thereby to repay the three visits of his late lord.

Little did he care about the toil

Of the seven encounters with the Mans.

(虞苏美)

大热(第八十九回)

山泽欲焦枯，火光覆太虚。

不知天地外，暑气更何如!

(1)

The hills are sere，the valleys dry，

A raging heat fills all the sky，

Throughout the whole wide universe

No spot exists where heat is worse.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

A scorching heat to turn the marshes dry，

A flaming sun that rules the empty sky—

Who could find in any other land

A zone of summer heat than this more damned？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The hills are arid，the valleys dry，

A raging heat fills all the sky，

Throughout the whole wide universe

No spot exists where heat is worse.

(虞苏美)

酷热(第八十九回)

赤帝施权柄，阴云不敢生。云蒸孤鹤喘，海热巨鳌惊。

忍舍溪边坐？慵抛竹里行。如何沙塞客，擐甲复长征!

(1)

The glowing sun darts out fierce rays，

No cloud gives shelter from the blaze.

In parching heat there pants a crane，

The whale swims through the hissing main.

The brook's cool margin now I love，

Or idle stroll through bamboo grove.

I would not march to deserts far

In leathern jerkin donned for war.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The fire god unleashes his torrid power；

Upon the sky no shade of cloud dares show.

In scalding mists the lonely heron pants；

In steamy seas the giant tortoise frets.

Who would for this forsake companionship by cooling streams

Or idle walks through bamboo woods？

What has brought me to this far frontier，

On the march again，encased in gear？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The glowing sun darts out fierce rays，

No cloud gives shelter from the blaze，

In parching heat there pants a crane，

And turtles moan in the hissing main.

The brook's cool margin now I love，

Or idle stroll through bamboo grove.

Wretched are those warriors who marched

In iron mail to go out for war.

(虞苏美)

高士孟节(第八十九回)

高士幽栖独闭关，武侯曾此破诸蛮。

至今古木无人境，犹有寒烟锁旧山。

(1)

In the southern expedition when the Mantsz were subdued，

K'ung-ming found a high-born recluse in a shady solitude.

Up till then the gloomy forests were thought destitute of men，

That no curling smoke wreath ever floated upwards from the glen.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

In that remotest vale the recluse dwelt，

When Kongming worked the downfall of the Man.

Still unclaimed，those stately trees of yore，

Where ancient hills by thawless mists stand barred.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The recluse dwelt in peace，far away in the vale，

Where the great minister had once subdued the Mans.

Its towering trees，yet unknown to men，

Stands aloft still，clouded in cold mist.

(虞苏美)

诸葛拜井(第八十九回)

为国平蛮统大兵，心存正道合神明。

耿恭拜井甘泉出，诸葛虔诚水夜生。

(1)

The Mantzu must be conquered；Chuko led a great array，

Though his skill was superhuman，yet he held the righteous way；

As the wells gave forth sweet water when Keng Kung's head bowed full low，

So the reverent prayers of Chuko made the lower springs to flow.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

In the name of Han he marched against the Man；

The mind that dwells on truth may touch the gods.

Geng Gong bowed to a well，and forth it flowed：

For Zhuge's constant heart these waters rose.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

To restore Han he led his men to subdue the Mans.

His prayer was answered by gods for his heart was true.

As the wells gave forth sweet water when Geng Gong's head bowed full low，

So the reverent night appeals of Kongming made the water flow.

(虞苏美)

七擒孟获(第九十回)

羽扇纶巾拥碧幢，七擒妙策制蛮王。

至今溪洞传威德，为选高原立庙堂。

(1)

He rode in his chariot green，

In his hand just a feather fan，

Seven times he released a king

As part of his conquering plan.

Having chosen a beautiful spot

Where the valleys debauch on the plain，

Lest his kindness should e'er be forgot，

The vanquished erected a fane.〈R]〉

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The feather fan，Taoist cap，and dark green canopy—

Captured seven times，the Man king did his will—

Those streams and hollows honor Kongming still，

Raising to his virtue's force a hall upon a hill.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He rode in his Taoist garb，

In his hand a feather fan.

Seven times he freed the Mans king

As part of his conquering plan.

To this day his prestige reigned

O'er streams and valleys of the south.

Lest his kindness should e'er be forgot，

The vanquished erected a fane.

(虞苏美)

赵云七十建奇功(第九十二回)

忆昔常山赵子龙，年登七十建奇功。

独诛四将来冲阵，犹似当阳救主雄。

(1)

I thought of brave old men，of Chao Tzulung，

Who，spite of numbered years three score and ten，

Was marvelous strong in battle；who one day

Slew four opposing captains，greater feat

Than when at Tangyang he had saved his king.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Who could forget Changshan's Zhao Zilong，

Winning his laurels even at three-score-ten？

He breaks the enemy line-four generals down!—

Unchanged since he saved his lord at Dangyang town.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

I thought of Zhao Yun of Changshan，

Who did a wondrous service at three score and ten.

Slaying four officers，he dashed into the enemy ranks

Brave as at Dangyang when he saved his lord's heir.

(虞苏美)

骂死王朗(第九十三回)

兵马出西秦，雄才敌万人。

轻摇三寸舌，骂死老奸臣。

(1)

In west Ts'in，when the armies met in the field，

He，the bold one，singly faced a myriad warriors，

And with a simple weapon，just his cruel tongue，

He did to death an old and wicked man.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Forth from a land once known as Qin，

With mettle to match a thousand times ten.

He came with his light and limber tongue

And lashed to death the false Wang Lang.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

On the soil of the former Qin，the armies met，

And Zhuge Liang's courage defied a myriad men.

With his three-inch long tongue，

He cursed to death the vile old minister Wang Lang.

(虞苏美)

空城计(第九十五回)

瑶琴三尺胜雄师，诸葛西城退敌时。

十五万人回马处，土人指点到今疑。

(1)

Quite open lay the city to the foe，

But Chuko's lute of jasper wonders wrought；

It turned aside the legions'onward march

For both the leaders guessed the other's thought.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

A zither three spans long subdued a puissant host

When Liang dismissed his foe at Xicheng town.

A hundred fifty thousand turned themselves around—

And townsmen at the spot still wonder how!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

A lute three feet long conquered a mighty army

When Zhuge Liang made his foe retreat at West City.

Where the hundred and fifty thousand men had turned

Men of today still point with wonder in mind.

(虞苏美)

失街亭(第九十六回)

失守街亭罪不轻，堪嗟马谡枉谈兵。

辕门斩首严军法，拭泪犹思先帝明。

(1)

′Twas pitiful that he who talked so glib

Of war，should lose a city，fault most grave，

With death as expiation.At the gate

He paid stern law's extremest penalty.

Deep grieved，his chief recalled the late king's words.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Ma Su，for losing Jieting—no small crime—

Earned only scorn for his claims of skill

And paid before the camp the law's full due

As tearful Kongming thought，how much the late king knew!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

′Twas pitiful that Ma Su who talked so glibly

Of warfare，should lose Jieting.For the fault most grave

He paid the law's extreme penalty at the gate.

And his chief recalled the late king's words in deep grief.

(虞苏美)

赵云之死(第九十七回)

常山有虎将，智勇匹关张。

汉水功勋在，当阳姓字彰。

两番扶幼主，一念答先皇。

青史书忠烈，应流百世芳。

(1)

From Ch'angshan came a captain，tiger-bold，

In wit and valor he was fitting mate

For Kuan and Chang，his exploits rivalling

E'en theirs.Han Waters and Tangyang recall

His name.Twice in his stalwart arms he bore

The prince，his well-loved leader's son and heir.

In storied page his name stands out，writ large.

Fair record of most brave and loyal deeds.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Tiger General from Changshan

With the wit and courage of Zhang and Guan!

Your triumph at Hanshui stands today；

Your name at Dangyang all acclaimed.

Twice you saved the baby prince

In service to his sacred sire.

History honors those whom duty claims，

Conferring a glory that never wanes.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

From Changshan came a warrior，tiger-bold，

In wit and valor he was fitting mate

For Guan and Zhang，his exploits rivaling

Even theirs.Han Waters and Dangyang recall

His name.Twice in his stalwart arms he bore

The prince，his well-loved leader's son and heir.

Histories record his brave and loyal deeds.

His glorious name stands aloft at all times.

(虞苏美)

斩王双(第九十八回)

孔明妙算胜孙庞，耿若长星照一方。

进退行兵神莫测，陈仓道口斩王双。

(1)

No man could better K'ung-ming's foresight keen；

Brilliant as a comet where it flashed：

Back and forth at will his soldiers dashed，

And Wang's dead body marked where they had been.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

He excelled Sun and Pang with subtle schemes；

In his zone of sky，a fixed star gleams.

His moves，which baffled all surmise，

On Chencang road Shuang's doom devised.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

No man could better Zhuge Liang's foresight；

Brilliant as a comet where it flashed：

Advance or retreat he maneuvers at will.

On Chencang road he ordered Wang killed.

(虞苏美)

张苞之死(第九十九回)

悍勇张苞欲建功，可怜天不助英雄!

武侯泪向西风洒，为念无人佐鞠躬。

(1)

Fierce and valiant was Chang Pao，

Striving hard to make a name；

Sad the gods should interfere

And withhold a hero's fame!

K'ung-ming wept his end untimely，

For he knew a warrior gone，

And he needed every helper；

His own strength was nearly done.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Fierce and bold，Bao sought to do high deeds；

But to this hero Heaven lent no hand.

Kongming shed his tears on the western wind—

Who else would match Bao's fealty to the Han？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Fierce and valiant was Zhang Bao，

Striving hard to make a name；

Sad the gods should interfere

And withhold a hero's fame!

Kongming wept his untimely end，

For he knew a warrior gone，

And he needed every helper；

His own strength was nearly done.

(虞苏美)

木门道上射雄兵(第一百一回)

伏弩齐飞万点星，木门道上射雄兵。

至今剑阁行人过，犹说军师旧日名。

(1)

With myriad shining bolts the air was filled，

The road was littered with brave soldiers killed；

The force to Chienko faring perished here；

The tale of valor grows from year to year.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The bowshots flew，a myriad of fiery stars，

And daring soldiers fell at Treegate Trail.

Still today when passing Saber Way，

Travelers speak of Kongming's ancient fame.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

With myriad shining bolts the air was filled，

The road was littered with brave soldiers killed；

People who travel by Sword Pass today

Still talk of the minister's fame of old.

(虞苏美)

关兴之死(第一百二回)

生死人常理，蜉蝣一样空。

但存忠孝节，何必寿乔松。

(1)

As all are born，so all must die；

Men are as gnats against the sky；

But loyalty or piety

May give them immortality.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Mortality，the law all flesh obeys—

Man's time's as brief as the mayfly's day.

Duly serving father and his king，

No honored years of age for young Guan Xing.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

As all are born，so all must die；

Men are as gnats against the sky；

But loyalty or piety

May give them immortality.

(虞苏美)

木牛流马(第一百二回)

剑关险峻驱流马，斜谷崎岖驾木牛。

后世若能行此法，输将安得使人愁？

(1)

Along the Chienko mountain roads

The running horses bore their loads，

And through Hsieh Valley's narrow way

The wooden oxen paced each day.

O generals，use these means today，

And transport troubles take away.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The gliding mules cleared Saber's steepest grades；

The wooden bulls took the gorge's sharp-pitched slopes.

Had later times such engines to employ，

Supply would never armies much annoy.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Along the Sword Pass mountain roads

The running horses bore their loads，

And through Ye Valley's narrow way

The wooden oxen paced each day.

Oh!if they were at hand today，

Transport troubles would melt away.

(虞苏美)

上方谷(第一百三回)

谷口风狂烈焰飘，何期骤雨降青霄。

武侯妙计如能就，安得山河属晋朝!

(1)

Fierce fires roared in the valley，

But the rain quenched them.

Had Chuko's plan but succeeded，

Where had been the Chins？

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Wild gusts swung the fires round the gorge，

But then，from azure heights，a sudden rain.

Had Kongming's master plan achieved its end，

Could this land have ever gone to Jin？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Fierce fires roared in the mouth of the valley，

But who could know a sudden rain should fall？

Had Zhuge Liang's plan but succeeded，

How could the empire fall to the Jins？

(虞苏美)

诸葛亮之死(第一百四回)

长星昨夜坠前营，讣报先生此日倾。

虎帐不闻施号令，麟台惟显着勋名。

空余门下三千客，辜负胸中十万兵。好看绿阴清昼里，于今无复雅歌声!

(1)

A bright star last night falling from the sky

This message gave："The Master is no more""

No more in camps shall bold men tramp at his command，

At court no statesman e'er will fill the place he held.

At home，his clients miss their patron kind.

Calm was his bosom，full of strategy.

But lately fared we to the wood's green shade

To hail him victor；hushed that song for him.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The star that dropped last night upon his camp

Announced to all："The master fell this day."

No longer from his tent will orders flow；

The Hall of Fame will honor his success.

Three thousand followers left masterless，

The hosts in his mind's eye denied their day.

Nor，in the green woods，clear and sunlit，

Will Kongming's fine-voiced chants be heard again.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

A bright star last night falling from the sky

This message gave："The Master has died."

No commands were issued again from his tent，

But his fame stood out at the altar of success.

Three thousand disciples miss their patron so kind.

Ten thousand men were buried in his bosom in vain.

Serene is the wood's green shade on a sunlit morn

But no longer can one hear the Master's fine songs.

(虞苏美)

咏史(三)(第一百四回)

先生晦迹卧山林，三顾那逢圣主寻。

鱼到南阳方得水，龙飞天汉便为霖。

托孤既尽殷勤礼，报国还倾忠义心。

前后出师遗表在，令人一览泪沾襟。

(1)

Within the forest dim the Master lived obscure，

Till，thrice returning，there the king his mentor met.

As when a fish the ocean gains，desire was filled

Wholly；the dragon freed could soar aloft at will.

As king's son's guardian none more zealous was；

As minister，most loyally he wrought at court.

His war memorials still to us are left，

And，reading them，the tears unconscious fall.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Ensconced in hills，the master hid his tracks；

By twist of fate a sage king sued three times.

Only in Nanyang could"fish"and"water"meet：

"The dragon flies to Heavenly Han—a wholesome rain.

To Liu Bei's heir Kongming gave zealous care；

Serving the state，he poured forth his loyal heart.

And still today his calls to war live on；

How many readers can restrain their tears？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Within the forest dim the Master lived obscure，

Till，thrice returning，there the Emperor his mentor met.

As when a fish the ocean gains，desire was filled

Wholly；the dragon freed could soar aloft at will.

As guardian of his lord's son，none more zealous was；

As minister，most loyally he wrought at court.

His war memorials still to us are left

And，reading them，the tears unconscious fall.

(虞苏美)

孔明庙赞(第一百四回)

拨乱扶危主，殷勤受托孤。

英才过管乐，妙策胜孙吴。

凛凛出师表，堂堂八阵图。

如公全盛德，应叹古今无!

(1)

He fought disorder，helped a weak king；

Most zealously he kept his master’s son.

In state—craft he o’erpassed both Kuan and Yo，

In war—craft he excelled both Sun and Wu.

With awe the court his war memorials heard，

With majesty his"Eight Arrays"were planned.

Good reader，an there’s virtue in your heart

You’ll sigh to think that he has had to peer.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

To set the times aright he backed Liu Bei；

With earnest zeal he took the orphan king.

His splendid gifts surpassed Guan Zhong's，Yue Yi's；

His unique schemes excelled Sunzi's，Wu Qi's.

How awe—inspiring his two—part call to war!

How proud and grand the Eightfold Ramparts plan!

Such a lord as this—all virtues'height—

Had never been，nor ever was again.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He fought disorder，helped his lord in danger；

Most zealously he cared for his master's son.

He surpassed Guan Zhong and Yue Yi in ability，

He excelled Sun Tzu and Wu Qi in strategy.

How solemn were his war memorials!

How majestic were his Eight-Gate Arrays!

A man of such wisdom and virtue

Has no peer at all times.

(虞苏美)

死诸葛走生仲达(第一百四回)

长星半夜落天枢，奔走还疑亮未殂。

关外至今人冷笑，头颅犹问有和无!

(1)

In the depth of night a brilliant star

Fell from the northern sky；

Doubts stayed Ssuma when he would pursue

His dead，but fearsome enemy.

And even now the western men，

With scornful smile，will say，

"Oh，is my head on my shoulder still？

It was nearly lost today."

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

That night from Heaven's Pole a fireball fell，

But Sima fled for fear his foe lived still.

And western mockers still remember how

He wondered if his head were on or no!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

In the depth of the night a big star fell from the sky；

But Sima fled for fear his rival was still alive

And even now the western men，mock with scornful smiles，

"Oh，is my head on my shoulders still？"

(虞苏美)

魏延反骨(第一百五回)

诸葛先机识魏延，已知日后反西川。

锦囊遗计人难料，却见成功在马前。

(1)

Chuko foresaw when freed from his restraint

Wei Yen would traitor prove.The silken bag

Contained the plan for his undoing.We see

How it succeeded when the moment came.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Zhuge knew beforehand Wei Yan's mind，

That traitor to Shu-Han he'd later prove.

The artifice no man could have foreknown，

But by Yan's death its potency was shown.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Zhuge Liang foresaw the treason in Wei，

He'd turn traitor to Shu in latter days.

The plan in the bag no one could foresee.

But its success was shown before the steed.

(虞苏美)

蜀相(第一百五回)

丞相祠堂何处寻，锦官城外柏森森。

映阶碧草自春色，隔叶黄鹂空好音。

三顾频烦天下计，两朝开济老臣心。

出师未捷身先死，长使英雄泪满襟!

(1)

To Chuko stands a great memorial hall，

In cypress shade，outside the Chukuan Wall，

The steps thereto are bright with new grass springing，

Hid'mongst the branches orioles are singing.

Devotion patient met reward；upon

The throne，built for the father，sat the son.

But ere was compassed all his plans conceived

He died；and heroes since for him have ever grieved.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

"His Excellency's shrine，where would it be found？"

"Past Damask Town，where cypresses grow dense."

Its sunlit court，gem—bright greens—a spring unto themselves.

Leaf—veiled，the orioles—sweet notes to empty air.

Thrice to him Liu Bei sued，keen to rule the realm：

Two reigns Kongming served—steady old heart—

To die，his host afield，the victory herald yet to come—

Weep，O heroes!Drench your fronts，now and evermore.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Oh，where can I find the prime minister's shrine？

Outside the town，where cypress trees grow tall.

Beneath sunlit steps the green grass wears the verdure of spring；

Hid amongst leaves orioles sing in vain their beautiful songs.

Thrice his lord sought him for a plan to rule the land；

Two reigns he set his heart to build and defend.

But'ere was completed all his plans conceived

He died；and heroes since for him have e'er grieved.

(虞苏美)

咏怀古迹五首(五)(第一百五回)

诸葛大名垂宇宙，宗臣遗像肃清高。

三分割据纡筹策，万古云霄一羽毛。

伯仲之间见伊吕，指挥若定失萧曹。

运移汉祚终难复，志决身歼军务劳。

(1)

Chuko's fair fame stands clear to all the world；

Among king's ministers he surely takes

Exalted rank；for when the empire cleft

In three，a kingdom for his lord he won

By subtle craft.Throughout all time he stands

A shining figure，clear against the sky.

Akin was he to famous I and Lu，

Yet stands with chiefs who failed，like Hsiao，Ts'ao；

The fates forbade that Han should be restored，

War—worn and weary，yet he steadfast stood.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Zhuge's mighty name hangs proudly on the upper sphere；

Stern and grand，the royal liege man's likeness claims respect.

In the tri-part world below he spun deep schemes.

In the age-old realm of cloud，one single plume unites our gaze，

Who rank his peers？Yi Yin and Jiang Ziya；

In command he was more sure than Xiao or Cao.

But the stars had turned；he could not save Han's reign，

Toiling to he end，body broken，will unbroke.

(Moss Roberts)

夏侯有女义如山(第一百七回)

弱草微尘尽达观，夏侯有女义如山。

丈夫不及裙钗节，自顾须眉亦汗颜。

(1)

What is a man to be mindful of？

A grain of dust on a blade of grass；

Such virtue as Hsiahou's daughter had

Stands out sublime as the ages pass.

This fair young wife of gentle mien

Dared all to maintain her purpose high.

What man though strong in the flush of life

Have equalled her in constancy？

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Slight as dust on restless grass，she saw with vision true，

Daughter of the Xiahou：honor mountain-firm.

You manly ones outdone by skirt and pin，

Look down at your beards and sweat for shame!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

What is a man to be mindful of？

A grain of dust on a blade of grass；

Such virtue as Xiahou's daughter had

Stands out sublime as the ages pass.

This fair young wife of gentle mien

Dared all to maintain her purpose high.

What man，though strong in the flush of life

Has equaled her in constancy？

(虞苏美)

辛氏劝弟(第一百七回)

为臣食禄当思报，事主临危合尽忠。

辛氏宪英曾劝弟，故令千载颂高风。

(1)

"You call him lord and take his pay，

Then stand by him when danger nears."

Thus to her brother spoke Hsien-ying，

And won fair fame though endless years.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

"The liege man for his keep must study to requite

His liege with perfect duty at his liege's day of fate."

Xianying of the hose of Xin counseled Xin Chang so，

And all men ever since have praised her spirit bold.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

You call him lord and take his pay，

Then stand by him when danger nears

Thus to her brother spoke the lady，

And won fair fame though endless years.

(虞苏美)

平原管辂相通神(第一百七回)

传得圣贤真妙诀，平原管辂相通神。

鬼幽鬼躁分何邓，未丧先知是死人。

(1)

The seer Kuan Lu was deeply read

In all the lore of th'ancient sages.

Thus he could see events to come

As clear as those of former ages.

And he perceived the soul of Ho，

Already in the vale of gloom.

And knew the outer shell of Teng

Was hastening to an early tomb.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Tradition tells this worthy sage unriddled every sign：

Guan Lu of Pingyuan could reach a world unseen.

"Agitated，""Evanescent，"he judged of He and Deng，

Knowing them for dead men before their deaths were known？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The seer Guan Lu was deeply read

In all the lore of the ancient sages.

Thus he could see events to come

As clear as those of former ages.

And he perceived the soul of He，

Already in the vale of gloom，

And knew the outer shell of Deng

Was hastening to an early tomb.

(虞苏美)

孙权之死(第一百八回)

紫髯碧眼号英雄，能使臣僚肯尽忠。

二十四年兴大业，龙盘虎踞在江东。

(1)

A hero，green-eyed and purple-bearded，

He called forth devotion from all.

He lorded the east without challenge

Till death's one imperative call.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The purple beard，the gem green eyes，hailed a hero true；

And Sun Quan's vassal-officers freely gave their love.

One score and four he reigned，the Southland king：

A dragon coiled，a tiger poised below the mighty Jiang.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

A hero，blue-eyed and red-bearded，

He called forth devotion from all.

For twenty and four years he reigned the east

Mighty as a dragon or a tiger.

(虞苏美)

妙算姜维不等闲(第一百九回)

妙算姜维不等闲，魏师受困铁笼间：

庞涓始入马陵道，项羽初围九里山。

(1)

The host of Wei on T'iehlung Hill

Were once fast held by Chiang Wei's skill；

When P'ang first crossed the Maling line

His strategy was reckoned fine

As Hsiang Yu's at the Nine Mile Hill；

Both bent opponents to their will.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

For subtle schemes Jiang Wei's gift was rare：

He turned the enemy chief on Iron Cage

Into another Pang Juan caught at Maling Road，

Another Xiang Yu'sieged at Nine Mile Hill？

(Moss Roberts)

司马杀后(第一百九回)

当年伏后出宫门，跣足哀号别至尊。

司马今朝依此例，天教还报在儿孙。

(1)

Now I recall another year；and lo!

An empress borne away to shameful death.

Barefooted weeping bitterly，she shrieks

"Farewell，"torn from her consort's arms.Today

History repeats itself；time's instrument，

Ssuma，avenges this on Ts'ao Ts'ao's heirs.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Thrust barefoot from the palace ground，Queen Fu

Parted from her liege；she cried for pity.

Today the Sima treat Queen Zhang in kind—

Thus Heaven pays back Cao's posterity.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Now I recall another year and lo!

Empress Fu borne away to cruel death.

Barefooted，weeping bitterly，she bade

Farewell to her lord.But today

History repeats itself，and Sima Shi

Inflicts this on Cao Cao's heirs.

(虞苏美)

司马废主(第一百九回)

昔日曹瞒相汉时，欺他寡妇与孤儿。

谁知四十余年后，寡妇孤儿亦被欺。

(1)

Ts'ao Ts'ao，the mighty minister of Han

Oppressed the helpless；little then thought he

That only two score swiftly passing years

Would bring like fate to his posterity.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Back in the days when Cao Man served the Han，

He wronged the widow and orphan of the clan.

And now that forty years have come and gone

His own widows and orphans are the wronged.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Cao Cao，the mighty minister of Han

Bullied the widow and the orphan prince.

Little did he know that forty years away

His own posterity would suffer like fate.

(虞苏美)

又见文鸯胆气高(第一百十回)

长坂当年独拒曹，子龙从此显英豪。

乐嘉城内争锋处，又见文鸯胆气高。

(1)

Defiance hurled at Ts'ao Ts'ao's mighty host

Arrayed near Ch'angan Slope proclaimed Chao Yun

A valiant man；and peerless stood he till，

At Lochiach'eng another hero faced，

Alone，another host，and Wen Yang's name

Was added to the roll of famous men.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Alone at Steepslope holding Cao Cao off，

Zilong came to fame，a prodigy of war.

Now Wen Yang crossing points in Yuejia town

Shows courage worthy of comparison.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Holding off Cao Cao's mighty host alone

Zi-long's valor had stood peerless since.

Then at Yuejia where the battle was fierce，

The bold Wen Yang bore down another host.

(虞苏美)

谁及于诠肯杀身(第一百十二回)

司马当年围寿春，降兵无数拜车尘。

东吴虽有英雄士，谁及于诠肯杀身!

(1)

Many were they who yielded at Shouch'un，

Bowing their heads in the dust before Ssuma.

Wu had produced its heroes，

Yet none were faithful to the death like Yu Ch'uan.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The year Sima kept Shouchun under siege，

Its defenders gave up in the wagons'dust.

Which Southland hero justly stands beside

Yu Quan，who fought for honor to the last？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Sima's men besieged Shouchun years ago

Many bowed their heads in the dust to yield.

The land of Wu has produced its heroes，

Yet only Yu Quan would his life devote.

(虞苏美)

遗踪直欲继田横(第一百十二回)

忠臣矢志不偷生，诸葛公休帐下兵，

薤露歌声应未断，遗踪直欲继田横!

(1)

The loyal servant flees not in the day of disaster；

Such were they who followed Chuko to the shades.

Ever and again begins the Song of Life's Brevity.

Faithful unto death were they，even as T'ien Keng's men.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Vassals bound in fealty disdain cheating death—

Such were Zhuge Dan's soldiers of command，

For whom"The Dew on the Leaf"will never be sung；

They add to our lore another Tian Heng.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Loyal servants flee not in times of danger；

Such were Zhuge's men who followed him to the shades.

The Song of Dirge still rang out loud.

Faithful unto death were they，even as Tian Heng's men.

(虞苏美)

孙謆废主(第一百十三回)

乱贼诬伊尹，奸臣冒霍光。

可怜聪明主，不得莅朝堂。

(1)

The sage example of the wise I Yin

Perverted now to traitor's use we see；

And Ho Kuang's faithful services are made

A cloak to cover vilest treachery.

Even able princes are but toys of fate，

And need our pity，fall'n from high estate.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Such treason mocks Yi Yin's hallowed name

And wrongly claims Huo Guang's authority.

Lament Sun Liang，this wise and knowing lord，

Who never would preside again at court.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The sage example of the wise Yi Yin

Perverted now to traitor's use we see；

And Huo Guang's faithful services are made

A cloak to cover vilest treachery.

Oh pity this clever young prince，

Who was stripped of his throne.

(虞苏美)

潜龙诗(第一百十四回)

伤哉龙受困，不能跃深渊。

上不飞天汉，下不见于田。

蟠居于井底，鳅鳝舞其前。

藏牙伏爪甲，嗟我亦同然!

(1)

The dragon scotched a prisoner is，

No longer leaps he in th'abyss.

He soars not to the Milky Way，

Nor can he in the meadows play；

But coiled within a dismal well，

With slimy creatures he must dwell，

Must close his jaws，his claws retract，

Alas!Quite like myself in fact.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Weep for the dragon when he's ta'en，

And cannot prance beneath the waves，

Nor mount up on the Milky Way，

Nor show himself among the fields.

Deep inside the well he's coiled：

Before him loach and eel make free，

Safe from tooth or claw or scales—

Alas，I am the same as he!

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The dragon trapped a prisoner is，

No longer leaps he in th'abyss，

He soars not in the Milky Way，

Nor can he in the meadows play；

But coiled within a dismal well，

With slimy creatures he must dwell，

Must close his jaws，his claws retract，

Alas!quite like myself in fact.

(虞苏美)

杀济灭口(第一百十四回)

司马当年命贾充，弑君南阙赭袍红。

却将成济诛三族，只道军民尽耳聋。

(1)

"The king must die，"thus spoke Ssuma full plain

In Chia Ch'ung's hearing；and the king was slain.

Although they killed Ch'eng Chi，who dealt the blow，

The author of the crime we all well know.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

That year Jia Chong at Sima Zhao's command

Killed the king and stained the royal robes red.

A crime that Cheng Ji paid for，and his clan—

The scheme did not deceive the common man.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

"The Emperor must die，"thus spoke Sima full plain

In Jia Chong's hearing；and the Emperor was slain.

Although they killed Cheng Ji who dealt the blow，

The author of the crime we all well know.

(虞苏美)

赞王经母子(第一百十四回)

汉初夸伏剑，汉末见王经：真烈心无异，坚刚志更清。

节如泰华重，命似鸿毛轻。母子声名在，应同天地倾。

(1)

Fu Chien was famous at the rise of Han，

When Han declined，Wang Ching was proved a man

Of purest virtue and unfaltering heart；

With resolution stern he played his part.

His fortitude was great as T'aishan Mount，

His life but as the floating down did count，

The fame of son and mother n'er will die，

So long as shall endure the earth and sky.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Suicides were acclaimed when Han began；

At Han's end consider then Wang Jing：

A martyr true，of undivided heart，

Of steadfast will，untainted，clear，and pure.

We weigh their lives as mountains，Tai and Hua；

They weighed their lives as light as goose's down.

The mother like the son is known today，

And shall so be while sky reigns over land.

(Moss Roberts)

夏侯霸之死(第一百十五回)

大胆姜维妙算长，谁知邓艾暗提防。

可怜投汉夏侯霸，顷刻城边箭下亡。

(1)

Most able strategist and brave，

Hsiahou，outwitted here

By Teng，more prudent still，and slain，

Deserves a pitying tear.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Jiang Wei was bold；in planning he excelled—

Who could have foreseen Deng Ai's counter plan？

Pity Xiahou Ba，who joined the cause of Han

And fell in a storm of bolts by Taoyang town.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Brave was Jiang Wei，who had a good plan made，

But Deng Ai outwitted him with a counter scheme.

Pity this Xiahou Ba，who with Han linked his fate

Lost his life under arrows by the city wall.

(虞苏美)

傅佥之死(第一百十六回)

一日抒忠愤，千秋仰义名。

宁为傅佥死，不作蒋舒生。

(1)

The loyalty Fu showed in stressful days

Won him a thousand autumns'noble praise；

The base Chiang Shu lived on，a life disgraced，

I would prefer the death that Fu Ch'ien faced.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

That final day he vented righteous rage，

And we forevermore hold high his name.

Who，to save himself，would play Jiang Shu

When he could die in glory like Fu Qian？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The loyalty Fu showed in stressful days

Won him a thousand years'noble praise；

The base Jiang Shu lived on，a life disgraced，

I would prefer the death that Fu Qian faced.

(虞苏美)

灵佑蜀民(第一百十六回)

数万阴兵绕定军，致令钟会拜灵神。

生能决策扶刘氏，死尚遗言保蜀民。

(1)

Those phantom armies circling in the gloom

Moved Chung to sacrifice at Chuko's tomb；

For Liu had Chuko wrought unto the end，

Though dead，he would Liu's People still defend.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The ghostly myriads circling Mount Dingjun

Made Zhong Hui pay due homage to its potent god，

Who guided—in life—the fortunes of the Liu，

Whose word—from beyond—will save the folk of Shu.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Those phantom soldiers around the Dingjun Hill

Moved Zhong Hui at Zhuge Liang's tomb to pray.

In life he furthered the cause of Liu Bei，

Though dead，he would Liu's people still protect.

(虞苏美)

偷渡阴平(第一百十七回)

阴平峻岭与天齐，玄鹤徘徊尚怯飞。

邓艾裹毡从此下，谁知诸葛有先机。

(1)

The rugged lofty mountain peaks

Of Yinp'ing，pierce the sky，

The somber crane with wearied wing

Can scarcely o'er them fly.

Intrepid Teng in blankets wrapped

Rolled down the craggy steep，

His feat great Chuko prophesied

By insight wondrous deep.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Yinping's steep-pitched peaks reach heaven-high；

Even the sky crane reels before such height.

Yet Deng Ai wrapped in felt went hurtling down，

Marveling at Zhuge Liang's foresight.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The rugged peaks of Yinping pierce the sky，

Even cranes are afraid to scale their heights.

Deng Ai in blankets wrapped rolled down the steep，

But the great Zhuge had foreseen this feat.

(虞苏美)

赞李氏(第一百十七回)

后主昏迷汉祚颠，天差邓艾取西川。

可怜巴蜀多名将，不及江油李氏贤。

(1)

When the King of Shu had wandered from the way，

And the House of Han fell lower，

The Lord sent Teng Ai to smite the land.

Then did a woman show herself most noble，

So noble in conduct，

That no leader equalled her.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Han's rites o'erthrown，Liu Shan gone astray，

Heaven sent Deng Ai to seize the west：

More than all its captains of renown，

Jiangyou's Lady Li proved worthiest.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

The King wandered in his way and the House of Han fell，

The Lord sent Deng Ai to smite the land.

Pity this country，with so many warriors of renown

But none was as noble as the lady of Jiangyou town.

(虞苏美)

节义真堪继武侯(第一百十七回)

不是忠臣独少谋，苍天有意绝炎刘。

当年诸葛留嘉胤，节义真堪继武侯。

(1)

In skill he was found wanting，not in loyalty，

But the Lord's word had gone forth，

That the King of Shu was to be cut off.

Vain were the efforts of Chuko's noble descendants，

Though they died at the call of duty.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Think not Shu's vassals failed in policy!

Heaven ended Liu's reign，fire-signed，

Though Zhuge Liang left worthy heirs to Shu

To carry on the Martial Lord's design.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Do not think that the loyal officers lacked skill；

But Heaven had decreed against the house of Liu，

Years before Zhuge Liang had left his fine offspring，

Who preserved his nobleness and loyalty well.

(虞苏美)

刘谌之死(第一百十八回)

君臣甘屈膝，一子独悲伤。

去矣西川事，雄哉北地王!

捐身酬烈祖，搔首泣穹苍。

凛凛人如在，谁云汉已亡？

(1)

Both king and courtiers，willing，bowed the knee，

One son alone was grieved and would not live.

The western kingdom fell to rise no more，

A noble prince stood forth，for aye renowned

As one who died to save his forbears'shame.

With grievous mien and falling tears he bowed

His head，declaring his intent to die.

While such a memory lingers none may say

That the Han has perished.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Liege and men were glad to bend the knee；

For him alone the anguish was too keen.

Remote in time—that kingdom in the west—

But what a hero，Beidi's prince，Liu Chan!

He gave his life in tribute to Zhao Lie，

Fortune-vexed，weeping at the arched blue sky.

His awesome presence seems among us still.

Who can say the Han has gone for aye？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Both king and courtiers，willing，bowed the knee，

Except for one prince alone，who was grieved.

The Western Shu ceased to exist any more；

A noble prince stood forth，for e'er renowned.

He took his own life to save his forebear's shame

In deep sorrow he wept beneath the blue sky.

His heroic image seems to be with us still

Who can say that Han has perished.

(虞苏美)

后主出降(第一百十八回)

魏兵数万入川来，后主偷生失自裁。

黄皓终存欺国意，姜维空负济时才。

全忠义士心何烈，守节王孙志可哀。

昭烈经营良不易，一朝功业顿成灰。

(1)

Wei's legions entered Shu，

And the ruler thereof saved his life

At the price of his honor and his throne.

Huang Hao's vicious counsels had brought disaster

Against which Chiang Wei's efforts were vain.

How bright shone the loyalty of the faithful one!

How noble was the fortitude of the prince，grandson of the First Ruler!

Alas!It led him into the way of sorrow.

And the plans of the Former Ruler，

Excellent and far-reaching.

Whereby he laid the foundations of a mighty state，

Were brought to nought in one day.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

The northern host came marching into Shu；

The king held life too dear to sacrifice.

How willfully Huang Hao betrayed his liege；

For what did Jiang Wei strive to save the land？

Inspiring，that great captain loyal and true!

How sad for the heir who did not fail his trust.

Though Zhao Lie led the realm through many trials，

His proud estate turned instantly to dust.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Into Shu marched the troops of Wei，

But too cowardly was its ruler to end his own days.

Without doubt Huang Hao was a traitor to his state；

In vain Jiang Wei had the talents his land to save.

How noble was the heart of the faithful warrior!

How sad was the prince's will to die than to bear the shame

Of the dynasty his ancestor fought so hard to found!

A lifetime's effort was brought to nought in one day.

(虞苏美)

追思武侯(第一百十八回)

鱼鸟犹疑畏简书，风云长为护储胥。

徒令上将挥神笔，终见降王走传车。

管乐有才真不忝，关张无命欲何如!

他年锦里经祠庙，梁父吟成恨有余!

(1)

The denizens of tree-tops，apes and birds，

Most lawless of created things，yet knew

And feared his mordant pen.The clouds and winds

Conspired to aid him to defend his lord.

But nought awaited the leader's precepts，wise

To save；with base content the erstwhile king

Too soon surrendered，yielding all but life.

In gifts Chuko was peer with Kuan and Yo，

His hapless death compared with Kuan and Chang's；

Sad sight，his temple on the river's brink!

It wrings the heart more than the tearful verse

Of Liang Fu-yin，the poet he most loved.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Even fish and fowl must heed his battle writs，

And the rains and winds protect his battlements.

But all for naught，the leader's penned commands，

When his fallen king was carried to the foe.

He lived up to his idols，Guan Zhong，Yue Yi，

But once the brothers died，what could he do？

Some other year well pass his Jinli shrine—

Our Liangfu songs shall end；our sorrow，no？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Apes and birds feared his written commands.

And clouds and winds used to help him in his defense.

But for naught did he bid his fine officers wield their mighty pens

I see the fallen king born away to an alien land in the end.

In gifts Zhuge was a peer of Guan Chong and Yue Yi；

But little could he do，with Guan and Zhang no more.

Some other year pass his shrine at Jinli I may

The elegy composed，my sorrow will remain.

(虞苏美)

邓艾之死(第一百十九回)

自幼能筹画，多谋善用兵。

凝眸知地理，仰面识天文。

马到山根断，兵来石径分。

功成身被害，魂绕汉江云。

(1)

While yet a boy，Teng loved to sketch and plan；

He was an able leader as a man.

The earth could hide no secrets from his eye，

With equal skill he read the starry sky.

Past every obstacle his way he won，

And onward pressed until his task was done.

But foulest murder closed a great career，

His spirit ranges now a larger sphere.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

From boyhood on he fashioned shrewd designs；

Inventive，he excelled in waging wars.

His steady gaze could read the lay of land

Or tell the secrets hidden in the stars.

The hills would part to let his riders pass，

And paths would form to let his marchers by.

But，merit won，he fell to treachery；

His soul now sails the rivers in the sky.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

From early years he could scheme and plan；

He was an able commander as a man.

The earth could hide no secrets from his eye，

With equal skill he read the starry sky.

Mountains and hills cleft as his horse rode up

And roads opened when his troops arrived.

But foulest murder closed a great career，

His soul curls amid the mist o'er River Han.

(虞苏美)

钟会之死(第一百十九回)

髫年称早慧，曾作秘书郎。

妙计倾司马，当时号子房。

寿春多赞画，剑阁显鹰扬。

不学陶朱隐，游魂悲故乡。

(1)

Of mother-wit Chung had no scanty share，

And in due time at court did office bear；

His subtle plans shook Ssuma's hold on power，

He was well named the Tzu-fang of the hour.

Chouch'un and Chienko ramparts straight fell down，

When he attacked，and he won great renown.

Ambition beckoned，he would forward press—

His spirit homeward wandered，bodiless.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

In tender years a genus he was hailed；

As counselor he came to serve the throne.

His stratagems defeated the Simas：

Another Zhang Zifang they called him then.

Zhong Hui won his laurels at Shouchun；

At Saber Gate his feats of arms won fame.

He would not hide for safety like Fan Li，

But now，a roaming soul，he pines for home.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Of mother-wit Zhong had no scanty share，

And in due time at court did office bear.

His subtle plans shook Sima's hold on power，

He was well named the Zi-fang of the hour.

At Shouchun he won renown for his schemes，

In Sword Pass he displayed his martial skills.

Ambitious，he would not in the hills roam；

Now his wandering spirit grieves for home.

(虞苏美)

姜维之死(第一百十九回)

天水夸英俊，凉州产异才。

系从尚父出，术奉武侯来。

大胆应无惧，雄心誓不回。

成都身死日，汉将有余哀。

(1)

T'ienshui boasts of a hero，talent came forth from Liangchou，

Chang Liang fathered his spirit，Chuko tutored his mind，

Valiant he ever pressed forward，nor had a thought of returning，

Grieved were the soldiers of Han when death rapt his soul from his body.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Proud be the district where he was born，Tianshui，

The province of Liangzhou，for such a man!

Who stood in the line of Jiang Ziya

And owed his skill in war to Zhuge Liang.

So great in courage，what had he to fear？

His hero's heart was pledged to hold the field.

In Chengdu on the day he lost his life

The generals of Han sat sorrow-filled.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Tianshui boasted of a distinguished hero，

Liangzhou produced an unusual talent.

For ancestor he claimed the famed Jiang Shang，

And in skill he was tutored by Zhuge Liang，

So valiant was he that he feared nothing，

Always pressing forward and never returning，

Grieved were the generals of Han

When he died in Chengdu that day.

(虞苏美)

乐不思蜀(第一百十九回)

追欢作乐笑颜开，不念危亡半点哀。

快乐异乡忘故国，方知后主是庸才。

(1)

Laughter loving，pleasure pursuing，

Rippling smiles o'er a merry face，

Never a thought of his former glory

In his callous heart finds place.

Childish joy in a change of dwelling，

That he feels，and that alone；

Manifest now that he was never

Worthy to sit on his father's throne.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

A pleasure-seeker，his face alight with smiles，

No hint of sorrow for the world now gone，

Makes merry in a foreign land，the old one out of mind—

How little character Liu Shan has shown.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

He pursued pleasure and joy，his face lit with smiles；

Ne'er did he have the slightest grief for his lost empire.

Happy in an alien land，his home state out of his mind.

How unfit he was to sit on the throne，all said.

(虞苏美)

赞张节(第一百十九回)

魏吞汉室晋吞曹，天运循环不可逃。

张节可怜忠国死，一拳怎障泰山高。

(1)

The House of Wei displaced the House of Han

And Chin succeeded Wei；so turns fate's wheel

And none escape its grinding.Chang the true

Stood in the way and died.We pity him.

Vain hope with one small hand to hide Mount T'ai!

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Wei swallowed Han，and then Jin swallowed Wei；

From Heaven's turning wheel no man can hide.

Shed a tear for Zhang Jie's loyal demise，

One man against the towering Mount Tai.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

As Wei displaced Han，so Jin devoured Wei.

Thus turns fate's wheel，none its grinding escapes.

Zhang Jie the true stood in the way and died.

Vain hope with one small hand to block out Mount Tai!

(虞苏美)

司马篡魏(第一百十九回)

晋国规模如魏王，陈留踪迹似山阳。

重行受禅台前事，回首当年止自伤。

(1)

The Founder of the Dynasty of Chin

Took Wei as model；thus the displaced king

Was named a prince，when on the terrace high

His throne he had renounced.

We grieve when we recall these deeds.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Jin's model was Cao Cao，king of Wei.

And the prince of Chenliu recalls Lord Shanyang.

Again the rite of transfer on the stage—

He thinks back to the time and grieves.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

Jin took Wei as a model，

And Prince of Chenliu resembled Lord of Shanyang

A transfer of power at the altar again was seen

We grieve when we recall these deeds.

(虞苏美)

凭吊羊祜(第一百二十回)

晓日登临感晋臣，古碑零落岘山春。

松间残露频频滴，疑是当年堕泪人。

(1)

I saw the fragments of a shattered stone

One spring time on the hillside when，alone，

I walked to greet the sun.The pines distilled

Big drops of dew unceasing；sadness filled

My heart.I knew this was the Stone of Tear，

The stone of memory sad of long-past years.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

A morning climb—the temple—Yang Hu's moving tale

On old stone shards，one spring in Xian Hills.

The constant fall of dewdrops through the pines—

Are they the tears of those who mourned him then？

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

One morning，moved by his memory，I climbed the hill

I see fragments of a stone while spring visits Xian Hills

From the pine branches dew drops constantly fall

Could those who mourned for him then be weeping still？

(虞苏美)

张悌之死(第一百二十回)

杜预巴山见大旗，江东张悌死忠时。

已拚王气南中尽，不忍偷生负所知。

(1)

Chin's army banners waved on Pashan mount

And trusty Chang in Chiangling fighting died；

He recked not that the kingly grace was spent，

He rather chose to die than shame his side.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

As Du Yu's banner flew atop Ba Hill，

Zhang Ti of the south died for his liege.

The realm was now bereft of kingly guise，

And yet Zhang Ti refused to compromise.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

As Du Yu's banner fluttered on Ba Hill，

Zhang Ti of the south died a loyal death.

The fortune of the kingdom being spent，

He rather chose to die than shame his land.

(虞苏美)

西塞山怀古(第一百二十回)

西晋楼船下益州，金陵王气黯然收。

千寻铁锁沉江底，一片降旗出石头。

人世几回伤往事，山形依旧枕寒流。

今逢四海为家日，故垒萧萧芦荻秋。

(1)

Adown the stream ride storyed warships tall；

With massive chains some seek to stop their way.

But Chiangling's independence fades away

And soon"We yield"is signaled from the wall.

Full oft I think of bygone days and sigh，

Along the stream，unmoved，the old hills rest，

While I am homeless on the earth's broad breast，

Where grim old forts stand grey beneath the sky.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

Jin's tall ships subdued the Riverlands；

The kingly air of Jinling ebbed away.

The thousand links sank to the riverbed；

One flag of surrender rose above Stone City.

How often man must grieve for what has passed；

The cold streams run below the changeless hills.

Today the king has no home but the world，

His battlements forlorn in reed-bare autumn.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

As Jin's fabled warships sailed from Yizhou downstream，

Gone sadly were the days of the kingly rule of Jingling.

Thousands of iron chains sank to the bottom of the stream；

A sea of white flags appeared above the Stone City.

Often I think of bygone days and sigh，

Unmoved，the hills still lie beside the cold currents.

While I am homeless on the earth's broad breast，

Where grim old forts stand gray beneath the sky.

(虞苏美)

三国归晋(第一百二十回)

高祖提剑入咸阳，炎炎红日升扶桑；

光武龙兴成大统，金乌飞上天中央；

哀哉献帝绍海宇，红轮西坠咸池傍!

何进无谋中贵乱，凉州董卓居朝堂；

王允定计诛逆党，李莈郭汜兴刀枪；

四方盗贼如蚁聚，六合奸雄皆鹰扬；

孙坚孙策起江左，袁绍袁术兴河梁；

刘焉父子据巴蜀，刘表军旅屯荆襄；

张燕张鲁霸南郑，马腾韩遂守西凉；

陶谦张绣公孙瓒，各逞雄才占一方。

曹操专权居相府，牢笼英俊用文武；

威挟天子令诸侯，总领貔貅镇中土。

楼桑玄德本皇孙，义结关张愿扶主；

东西奔走恨无家，将寡兵微作羁旅；

南阳三顾情何深，卧龙一见分寰宇；

先取荆州后取川，霸业图王在天府；

呜呼三载逝升遐，白帝托孤堪痛楚!

孔明六出祁山前，愿以只手将天补；

何期历数到此终，长星半夜落山坞!

姜维独凭气力高，九伐中原空劬劳；

钟会邓艾分兵进，汉室江山尽属曹。

丕睿芳髦才及奂，司马又将天下交；

受禅台前云雾起，石头城下无波涛；

陈留归命与安乐，王侯公爵从根苗；

纷纷世事无穷尽，天数茫茫不可逃；

鼎足三分已成梦，后人凭吊空牢骚。

(1)

It was the dawning of a glorious day

When first the Founder of the House of Han

Hsienyang's proud palace entered.Noontide came

When Kung-Wu the imperial rule restored.

Alas，that Hsien succeeded in full time

And saw the setting of the sun of power!

Ho Chin，the feeble，fell beneath the blows

Of Palace minions.Tung Cho，vile though bold，

Then ruled the court.The plot Wang Yun devised

To oust him，failed，recoiled on his own head.

The Li and Kuo lit up the flame of war

And brigands swarmed like ants through all the land.

Then rose the valiant and deployed their might.

The Suns carved out a kingdom in the east，

Honan the Yuans strove to make their own.

The Lius went west and seized on Pa and Shu，

Another Liu laid hold on Ching and Hsiang，

Chang Miao，Chang Lu，in turn held Cheng by force.

Each of three others seized upon a fief；

T'ao Chien，Han Hsiu and Kungsun Ts'an，the bold.

But overtopping all Ts'ao Ts'ao the strong

Became first minister，and to his side，

Drew many able men.He swayed the court，

Without，he held the nobles in his hand；

By force of arms he held the capital

Against all rivals.Of imperial stock

Was born Yuan-te，who with sworn brothers twain

Made oath the dynasty should be restored.

These wandered homeless east and west for years，

A petty force.But Destiny was kind

And led Liu Pei to Nanyang's rustic cot，

Where lay Reposing Dragon，he who knew

Already that the empire must be rent.

Twice Liu essayed in vain to see the sage；

Once more he went，and then his fortune turned.

Chingchou fell to him，followed Ssuch'uan，

A fitting base to build an empire on.

Alas!He ruled there only three short years，

Then left his only son to K'ung-ming's care.

Full nobly K'ung-ming played protector's part，

Unceasing strove to win first place for Shu；

But Fate forbade；one night for aye his star

Went down behind the rampart of the hills.

Chiang Wei the strong inherited his task

And struggled on for years.But Chung and Teng

Attacked the Hans'last stronghold，and it fell.

Five sons of Ts'ao sat on the dragon throne，

And Ssuma snatched the sceptre from Ts'ao Huan.

Before him bowed the kings of Shu and Wu，

Content to forfeit kingly power for life.

All down the ages rings the note of change，

For fate so rules it；none escapes its sway.

The kingdoms three have vanished as a dream，

The useless misery is ours to grieve.

(C.H.Brewitt-Taylor)

(2)

As Gao Zu entered Xianyang，sword in hand，

Han's fiery sun climbed the Tree of Dawn.

Then dragonlike Guang Wu restored Han's rule，

And the solar crow soared to the noon of sky.

But when this great realm passed on to Xiandi，

The fiery disc set in the Pool of Night.

He Jin's folly sparked the eunuchs'coup，

And Dong Zhuo came and seized the halls of state.

Wang Yun formed a plan and struck the rebel down，

But Li Jue and Guo Si rose up in arms.

Across the land rebellions seethed and swarmed

As vicious warlords swooped down on all sides.

The house of Sun emerged beyond the Jiang.

In the north the clan of Yuan held sway.

To the west Liu Yan and Zhang ascended.

Liu Biao's legions camped in Jing and Xiang.

Zhang Yan and Lu were Hanzhong's overlords；

Defending Xiliang，Mar Teng and Han Sui.

Tao Qian of Xu，Zhang Xiu，and Gongsun Zan

Cut bold figures in their several zhou.

Cao Cao took power，Xiandi's minister，

Drawing valiant men with arts of peace and war.

Xiandi in his thrall，Cao ruled the lords

And with his marital hosts controlled the north.

"Twin Mulberry"Xuande，descendant of the throne，

Leagued with Guan and Zhang to save Xiandi.

He scrambled round the realm(he had no home)，

His forces scant，a stranger wandering.

Thrice Xuande's ardent quest led to Nanyang，

Where Sleeping Dragon unveiled Han's partition：

"First take Jingzhou，next the Riverlands；

On that rich region，base your own royal stand."

Near death in Baidi，having reigned three years，

Bei sadly placed his son in Kongming's care.

By six offensives from the hills of Qi

Kongming sought to change Han's destiny.

But the time of Han had run—could he not tell？—

That night his master star fell past the hills.

Jiang Wei alone still strove with might and main：

Nine time more he fought the north—in vain.

Zhong Hui and Deng Ai next led armies west：

And to the Cao，Han's hills and streams now passed.

Cao Pi，Cao Rui，Fang，Mao，and briefly，Huan—

The Sima took the empire in their turn.

Cao's adbication changed the face of all；

No mighty battles marked the Southland's fall.

Three kings no more—Chenliu，Guiming，Anle.

The fiefs and posts must now be filled anew.

The world's affairs rush on，an endless stream；

A sky-told fate，infinite in reach，dooms all.

The kingdoms three are now the stuff of dream，

For men to ponder，past all praise of blame.

(Moss Roberts)

(3)

It was the dawning of a glorious day

When Liu Bang entered Xianyang，sword in hand.

Then Guang-Wu the imperial rule was restored

Like a golden bird soaring to the sky.

Alas，Prince Xian succeeded in full time

And saw the setting of the sun of power!

He Jin，the tactless，fell beneath the blows

Of palace minions.Dong Zhuo the tyrant

Then ruled the court.And Wang Yun devised

A plan and triumphed in slaying the rebel.

But Li and Guo lit up the flame of war

And brigands swarmed like ants through all the land.

Then rose ambitious lords from every side.

The Suns carved out their land east of the Yangtze；

The Yuans strove to make Henan their own.

Liu Yan and son seized the west of Ba and Shu；

His kinsman Liu Biao laid hold of Jing and Xiang.

Zhang Yan and Zhang Lu in turn held Nanzheng by force；

Ma Teng and Han Sui defended Xiliang，

Each of three others seized upon a fief.

Tao Qian，Zhang Xiu，and Gongsun Zan，the bold.

But above all Cao Cao the strong

Became prime minister，and to his side，

Drew many able men.He swayed the court

And held all the feudal lords in his hand；

By force of arms he controlled the north

Against all rivals.Of imperial stock

Was born Liu Bei，who with sworn brothers two

Pledged an oath that the Hans should be restored.

He wandered homeless east and west for years，

With few officers and a meager force.

How sincere were his three visits to Nanyang，

To see the Sleeping Dragon，who foretold

The split of the empire into three states.

"Take Jingzhou first and then Shu，"he advised，

"A fitting base to build an empire on."

Alas!Liu ruled there only three short years，

Sadly he left his son to Kongming's care.

To reunite the empire under Han

Six times Kongming led his men to Qishan，

But the days of Han had come to an end.

One midnight his star fell into the vale.

Jiang Wei struggled alone with all his might

But his nine efforts against the north were in vain.

Zhong Hui and Deng Ai advanced by two routes

And thus fell Han's last stronghold to Wei.

Five sons of Cao sat on the dragon throne，

Soon Sima snatched the scepter from Cao Huan.

Before the Altar of Abdication mist rose；

Beneath the Stone City no waves lapped.

The former rulers of Wei，Shu，and Wu

Became Dukes Chenliu，Guiming，and Anle.

All down the ages rings the note of change，

For fate so rules it—none escapes its sway.

The kingdoms three have vanished as a dream，

Pondering o'er this we can only grieve.

(虞苏美)

诗词索引

(按笔画)

一画

一点樱桃(第八回)

二画

二访隆中(第三十七回)

七步诗(第七十九回)

七擒孟获(第九十回)

八阵图(第八十四回)

又见文鸯胆气高(第一百十回)

又显江南陆逊高(第八十四回)

三画

三马同槽(第七十八回)

三英战吕布(第五回)

三国归晋(第一百二十回)

于禁不忠(第七十九回)

士民争拜汉云长(第七十七回)

大热(第八十九回)

上方谷(第一百三回)

义释曹操(第五十回)

子龙一身都是胆(第七十一回)

马跃檀溪(第三十四回)

马腾之死(第五十七回)

四画

王允之死(第九回)

王累之死(第六十回)

天下英雄独使君(第三十四回)

木门道上射雄兵(第一百一回)

木牛流马(第一百二回)

五臣死节(第六十九回)

太史慈之死(第五十三回)

少帝诀别歌(第四回)

水淹七军(第七十四回)

丹心自是足千秋(第二十四回)

凤雏一语教徐庶(第四十八回)

火烧赤壁(第五十回)

火烧连营(第八十四回)

火烧新野(第四十回)

斗牛图(第七十九回)

孔明庙赞(第一百四回)

孔融之死(第四十回)

邓艾之死(第一百十九回)

双雄难并(第五十七回)

五画

甘宁之死(第八十三回)

甘露寺览胜(第五十四回)

古城聚义(第二十八回)

节义真堪继武侯(第一百十七回)

左慈戏曹(第六十九回)

平原管辂相通神(第一百七回)

东风有意便周郎(第五十回)

田丰之死(第三十一回)

叹黄权(第八十五回)

失街亭(第九十六回)

乐不思蜀(第一百十九回)

司马杀后(第一百九回)

司马废主(第一百九回)

司马篡魏(第一百十九回)

司徒妙算(第九回)

六画

吉平之死(第二十三回)

老天何故纵奸雄(第二十四回)

过关斩将(第二十七回)

西川才子(第六十回)

西塞山怀古(第一百二十回)

百翎贯寨(第六十八回)

死诸葛走生仲达(第一百四回)

吕布之死(第十九回)

伍孚之死(第四回)

伤人饿虎(第十九回)

华佗之死(第七十八回)

华歆收捕伏皇后(第六十六回)

后主出降(第一百十八回)

杀济灭口(第一百十四回)

刘表之死(第四十回)

刘备之死(第八十五回)

刘备摔子(第四十二回)

刘郎浦口号(第五十五回)

刘谌之死(第一百十八回)

关兴之死(第一百二回)

关羽之死(第七十七回)

许攸弃袁(第三十回)

许客三人(第二十九回)

孙氏殉夫(第八十四回)

孙权之死(第一百八回)

孙权逍遥津跃马(第六十七回)

孙策之死(第二十九回)

孙謆废主(第一百十三回)

红牙催拍(第八回)

七画

运筹决算(第一回)

赤兔马(第三回)

赤壁(第四十八回)

严颜降蜀(第六十三回)

杨松遭斩(第六十七回)

杨修之死(第七十二回)

连环计(第四十七回)

邺中歌(第七十八回)

何进之死(第三回)

辛氏劝弟(第一百七回)

灵佑蜀民(第一百十六回)

张飞之死(第八十一回)

张飞取巴郡(第六十三回)

张飞威震长坂坡(第四十二回)

张任之死(第六十四回)

张苞之死(第九十九回)

张松之死(第六十二回)

张悌之死(第一百二十回)

陈宫之死(第十九回)

妙算姜维不等闲(第一百九回)

八画

苗泽遭斩(第五十七回)

英雄露颖(第一回)

卧龙居处(第三十七回)

斩王双(第九十八回)

咏史(一)(第十三回)

咏史(二)(第十四回)

咏史(三)(第一百四回)

咏怀古迹五首(五)(第一百五回)

刮骨疗毒(第七十五回)

凭吊羊祜(第一百二十回)

周瑜之死(第五十七回)

周瑜决策取荆州(第五十六回)

庞统之死(第六十三回)

放言(第五十六回)

单刀赴会(第六十六回)

泸水(第八十八回)

沮授之死(第三十回)

审配之死(第三十二回)

空城计(第九十五回)

驻马坡(第五十四回)

九画

春睡(第三十八回)

赵云七十建奇功(第九十二回)

赵云大战长坂坡(第四十一回)

赵云之死(第九十七回)

赵云救主(第四十一回)

草船借箭(第四十六回)

荀彧之死(第六十一回)

南阳卧龙有大志(第三十八回)

威倾三国(第二十五回)

临江仙·滚滚长江东逝水

骂死王朗(第九十三回)

钟会之死(第一百十九回)

追思武侯(第一百十八回)

勉从虎穴(第二十一回)

独夫袁绍少机谋(第三十回)

姜维之死(第一百十九回)

恨石(第五十四回)

祖弼尽忠(第八十回)

祢衡之死(第二十三回)

十画

袁术之死(第二十一回)

袁绍之死(第三十二回)

夏侯有女义如山(第一百七回)

夏侯霸之死(第一百十五回)

顿开金锁走蛟龙(第二十一回)

借东风(第四十九回)

徐氏复仇(第三十八回)

徐庶荐贤(第三十六回)

高士孟节(第八十九回)

郭嘉之死(第三十三回)

唐妃诀别歌(第四回)

浣溪沙·貂蝉(第八回)

诸葛出山(第三十八回)

诸葛拜井(第八十九回)

诸葛亮之死(第一百四回)

谁及于诠肯杀身(第一百十二回)

十一画

黄忠之死(第八十三回)

黄忠颂(第五十三回)

曹丕禅汉(第八十回)

曹瞒凶残世所无(第六十六回)

曹操奸雄(第十回)

铜雀台赋(第四十四回)

偷渡阴平(第一百十七回)

隆中决策(第三十八回)

隆中歌(一)(第三十七回)

隆中歌(二)(第三十七回)

隆中歌(三)(第三十七回)

隆中歌(五)(第三十七回)

隆中歌(四)(第三十七回)

十二画

博望烧屯(第三十九回)

董妃之死(第二十四回)

董卓之死(第九回)

董承之死(第二十四回)

董贼潜怀(第四回)

蒋干中计(第四十五回)

遗踪直欲继田横(第一百十二回)

短歌行(第四十八回)

傅佥之死(第一百十六回)

温酒斩华雄(第五回)

割发代首(第十七回)

割须弃袍(第五十八回)

十三画

携民渡江(第四十一回)

蜀相(第一百五回)

十四画

截江夺主赞张飞(第六十一回)

截江夺主赞赵云(第六十一回)

蔡邕之死(第九回)

酷热(第八十九回)

辕门射戟(第十六回)

嫩草绿凝烟(第四回)

十五画

题壁诗(第三十四回)

潜龙诗(第一百十四回)

十六画

赞王经母子(第一百十四回)

赞冯习、张南(第八十四回)

赞李氏(第一百十七回)

赞张节(第一百十九回)

赞徐母(第三十七回)

赞黄忠(第七十一回)

赞崔琰(第六十八回)

赞程畿(第八十四回)

赞傅彤(第八十四回)

赞管宁(第六十六回)

赞管辂(第六十九回)

十七画

魏延反骨(第一百五回)

糜夫人之死(第四十一回)

主要参考书目

1.Brewitt-Taylor，C.H.Romance of the Three Kingdoms.Tokyo：Tuttle Publishing，1959.

2.Roberts，Moss.Three Kingdoms.Beijing：Foreign Languages Press，1995.

3.Yu Sumei.The Three Kingdoms.Singapore：Tuttle Publishing，2014.

4.罗贯中：《三国演义》，北京：人民文学出版社，1973。

5.罗贯中：《毛宗岗批评本三国演义》，长沙：岳麓书社，2006。

6.罗贯中：《三国志通俗演义》，上海：文汇出版社，2008。

7.罗贯中：《三国演义》，北京：北京大学出版社，2011。

8.沈伯俊、谭良啸：《三国演义大辞典》，北京：中华书局，2007。

9.郑铁生：《三国演义叙事艺术》，北京：新华出版社，2000。

10.郑铁生：《三国演义诗词鉴赏》，北京：新华出版社，2010。