前出塞九首

（三）

磨刀鸣咽水，水赤刃伤手。

欲轻肠断声，心绪乱已久。

丈夫誓许国，愤惋复何有?

功名图麒麟，战骨当速朽。

(3)

Grinding weapons in the gurgling stream,

A sound comes through

The swishing water as it

Suddenly turns red from hands

Cut by the blade; the sharp pain

Joining up with my bitterness;

Yet we are picked men who have

Promised to serve the Emperor,

So why should one complain?

We Shall do much, gain fame, even

Though bones left on the battlefield

Quickly change to dust again.