Classic Poem

Winged bulletins arise from frontier outposts;
Beacon fires extend to the city of Hsien-yang.
Cavalry are sent to garrison Kuang-wu;
Infantry dispatched to the aid of Shuo-fang.
Rigorous autumn stiffens bows and shafts;
Hunnish squadrons are spirited and strong.
The Son of Heaven lays a hand on his sword in anger;
Couriers catch sight of one another in the distance.
Climbing stony roads in echelon formation,
Crossing over flying bridges in single file.
Flutes and drums flow with memories of Han;
Banners and armor are covered with nomad frost.
A howling wind rises to assail the frontier;
Sand and grit soar aloft and float.
Horses' coats are stiff as hedgehogs';
Horn-trimmed bows cannot be drawn.
In perilous times appear steadfast officials;
In disordered ages, we know the loyal and the good.
Giving up their lives in the service of a noble ruler,
Their own deaths are offered as a sacrifice to the nation.