The Pitiful Young Prince
Hooded crows fly at night over the walls of Chang'an,uttering harsh cries above Welcoming Autumn Gate,then head for people's houses, pecking at the lofty roofs,roofs beneath which high officials scurry to escape barbarians.
The golden whip is broken in two, the nine horses are run to death,*but it is still not possible for all of royal blood to flee together...
In plain sight below his waist a precious ornament of blue coral,the pitiful prince stands weeping at the corner of the road.
When I ask, he refuses to tell either name or surname;he only speaks of his desperation, and begs to become my slave.
For a hundred days now he has lain hidden in brambles;there is no whole skin left on his entire body.
But the sons and grandsons of Gao-zu all have the same noses-the dragon-seed, naturally, differs from that of ordinary men.
Jackals and wolves in the city, dragons lurking in the wilds,the prince had better take care of that thousand-tael body!*I don't dare talk long here in plain view by the crossroads,but for the sake of my prince I will stay for a moment.
Last night the east wind blew in the stench of blood,and camels from the east filled the former Capital.*The Shuo-fang veterans were known as skilled warriors,they always seemed so fierce, but now how foolish they look!
It is rumored that the Son of Heaven has already abdicated,but also that the Khan is lending his support,that the men of Hua gashed their faces and begged to wipe out this disgrace.
Say nothing!
Someone else may be hiding and listening.
Alas,
Prince, you must be careful, stay on guard,and may the spirits of the Five Tombs* watch over you always.
Du Fu
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