Together we cross the Zhu-Zhang ferry,
Climbing treacherous paths, I call to my companions;
Layer upon layer of ice engulfs the mandarin orange islet.
High in the sky, I recognize the swift wings of birds.
Birds cry in the maple-lined path, all is silent,
The resounding verses of He Xi still echo,
Leaves have fallen, and the green hills grow dim.
For a thousand years, their virtue remains fragrant.

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Sending Zong Yu Yilang Eastward

Around 1916

The clouds part, and the lingering gloom over Mount Heng dissipates;
Heavenly Horse and Phoenix soar among the spring trees.
You, young yet brilliant, possess the talent of Qu Yuan and Jia Yi;
This land of mountains and rivers has long cherished such extraordinary spirit.
As you set off, I raise a mighty song:
Like the Kunpeng, you will now begin to cleave through the waves.
Lake Dongting and the Xiang River swell until they meet the sky;
Giant warships point straight toward the east.
Though an untimely sorrow spreads across the heavens,
Thankfully, the east wind carries it far, for ten thousand li.
What concern should a true man have?
Let him regard the entire universe as but a tiny grain of millet.
With the vast sea surging forth, what need is there to worry?
Let the complexities of this world be left to your governance.
Only take care of your own body and mind;
May the sun and moon within your breast ever shine anew and beautiful.
It has been five hundred years since such a name graced the world;
All the others are but minor figures by comparison.
Before the Pinglang Palace, friendships abound;
Chongming and Tsushima are separated only by a narrow strip of water.
In the Eastern Isles, after washing your sword, you shall return with letters;
I shall turn back from the cliff’s edge, while you go forth.