Analysis of "永遇乐·京口北固亭怀古" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem Yong Yu Le·Jingkou Beigu Ting Huaigu (《永遇乐·京口北固亭怀古》) was written by Xin Qiji (辛弃疾), one of the greatest poets of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279). Known for his patriotic fervor and heroic spirit, Xin Qiji was a military leader turned poet whose works often expressed his longing to reclaim lost territories from the Jin Dynasty invaders.

This poem, composed in 1205, reflects on history, heroism, and the poet’s frustration with the Southern Song court’s passive stance against northern invaders. It is considered one of the finest examples of Ci poetry (a classical Chinese poetic form) and remains deeply influential in Chinese literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

Original Text and Translation

千古江山，英雄无觅，孙仲谋处。
Qiān gǔ jiāngshān, yīngxióng wú mì, Sūn Zhòngmóu chù.
The land has stood for ages, but heroes like Sun Quan are nowhere to be found.

舞榭歌台，风流总被，雨打风吹去。
Wǔ xiè gē tái, fēngliú zǒng bèi, yǔ dǎ fēng chuī qù.
The grand stages and singing halls, all the romance of the past, have been swept away by wind and rain.

斜阳草树，寻常巷陌，人道寄奴曾住。
Xié yáng cǎo shù, xúncháng xiàng mò, rén dào Jìnú céng zhù.
Now, under the setting sun, among wild grass and trees, an ordinary alley—where they say Emperor Liu Yu once lived.

想当年，金戈铁马，气吞万里如虎。
Xiǎng dāngnián, jīn gē tiě mǎ, qì tūn wàn lǐ rú hǔ.
In those years, armed with golden spears and armored horses, his spirit devoured the land like a tiger.

元嘉草草，封狼居胥，赢得仓皇北顾。
Yuánjiā cǎocǎo, fēng láng jū xū, yíng dé cānghuáng běi gù.
But in the Yuanjia era, hasty plans to conquer the north ended in panicked retreat.

四十三年，望中犹记，烽火扬州路。
Sìshí sān nián, wàng zhōng yóu jì, fēnghuǒ Yángzhōu lù.
Forty-three years have passed, yet I still remember the beacon fires on the road to Yangzhou.

可堪回首，佛狸祠下，一片神鸦社鼓。
Kě kān huíshǒu, Fólí cí xià, yī piàn shén yā shè gǔ.
How can I bear to look back? Beneath the temple of the barbarian king, crows and drums now worship foreign gods.

凭谁问：廉颇老矣，尚能饭否？
Píng shuí wèn: Lián Pō lǎo yǐ, shàng néng fàn fǒu?
Who would ask now: "Lian Po is old—can he still eat and fight?"

Line-by-Line Analysis

First Stanza – The Vanished Heroes

• "千古江山…孙仲谋处" – The poet laments that great leaders like Sun Quan (孙权), a heroic ruler of the Three Kingdoms period, are gone.
• "舞榭歌台…雨打风吹去" – The grandeur of the past has decayed, symbolizing the decline of national strength.

Second Stanza – The Rise and Fall of Heroes

• "斜阳草树…寄奴曾住" – The poet recalls Emperor Liu Yu (刘裕), a commoner who rose to power and briefly reclaimed lost lands.
• "想当年…气吞万里如虎" – A vivid image of Liu Yu’s military might, contrasting with the Song Dynasty’s weakness.

Third Stanza – Historical Warnings

• "元嘉草草…仓皇北顾" – A reference to a failed military campaign under Emperor Wen of Liu-Song, warning against reckless war.
• "四十三年…烽火扬州路" – Xin Qiji remembers his own past battles, emphasizing how long the nation has suffered.

Final Stanza – Personal Anguish

• "可堪回首…一片神鸦社鼓" – The poet despairs at how northern invaders’ culture has replaced Han Chinese traditions.
• "凭谁问…尚能饭否？" – He compares himself to Lian Po (廉颇), an aging general, questioning if he is still fit to serve his country.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Patriotism and Heroism

• The poem mourns lost heroes and criticizes the Southern Song’s inaction.
• Sun Quan and Liu Yu symbolize past glory, while Yuanjia’s failure serves as a warning.

2. Time and Decay

• "雨打风吹去" (Swept by wind and rain) – Represents the erosion of national pride.
• "佛狸祠下" (Beneath the barbarian temple) – Shows cultural invasion and loss of identity.

3. Aging and Unfulfilled Duty

• The final line echoes Xin Qiji’s frustration—despite his willingness, the court ignores him.

Cultural Context

• Written during the Southern Song Dynasty, a time of military weakness and political corruption.
• Ci poetry often expressed personal and national sorrow, blending lyrical beauty with deep emotion.
• Xin Qiji’s works are celebrated for their heroic spirit (豪放派), contrasting with more delicate poetic styles.

Conclusion

Yong Yu Le·Jingkou Beigu Ting Huaigu is a masterpiece of historical reflection and patriotic passion. Xin Qiji’s sorrow over his country’s fate and his own unrealized ambitions resonate deeply, even today. The poem reminds us of the fragility of power, the weight of history, and the enduring spirit of those who fight for their homeland.

For modern readers, it serves as both a historical lesson and a timeless meditation on duty, legacy, and resilience.