Analysis of "轮台歌奉送封大夫出师西征" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "轮台歌奉送封大夫出师西征" (Lúntái Gē Fèngsòng Fēng Dàfū Chūshī Xīzhēng) was written by Cen Shen (岑参, c. 715–770), a prominent poet of the Tang Dynasty known for his frontier poetry (边塞诗, biānsài shī). This genre vividly depicts the harsh yet majestic landscapes of China's western frontiers and the lives of soldiers stationed there.

The poem was composed to honor General Feng Changqing (封常清), a Tang military leader, as he embarked on a campaign to defend the empire's western borders. Cen Shen, who served as an official in the frontier regions, captures the grandeur of war, the loyalty of soldiers, and the vastness of the landscape. The poem is celebrated for its heroic tone, vivid imagery, and emotional depth, making it a classic example of Tang Dynasty frontier poetry.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

轮台城头夜吹角，
Lúntái chéng tóu yè chuī jiǎo,
At the tower of Luntai, horns blow at night,

轮台城北旄头落。
Lúntái chéng běi máo tóu luò.
North of Luntai, the enemy’s banners fall.

羽书昨夜过渠黎，
Yǔ shū zuóyè guò Qúlí,
Last night, urgent missives passed Quli,

单于已在金山西。
Chányú yǐ zài Jīnshān xī.
The Khan’s forces gather west of Golden Mountain.

戍楼西望烟尘黑，
Shù lóu xī wàng yānchén hēi,
From the watchtower, westward, smoke and dust loom dark,

汉兵屯在轮台北。
Hàn bīng tún zài Lúntái běi.
The Han troops encamp north of Luntai.

上将拥旄西出征，
Shàngjiàng yōng máo xī chūzhēng,
The general grasps his banner, marching west,

平明吹笛大军行。
Píngmíng chuī dí dàjūn xíng.
At dawn, flutes sound as the great army departs.

四边伐鼓雪海涌，
Sìbiān fá gǔ xuě hǎi yǒng,
Drums thunder on all sides, the Snow Sea surges,

三军大呼阴山动。
Sānjūn dà hū Yīnshān dòng.
Three armies roar, and the Yin Mountains tremble.

虏塞兵气连云屯，
Lǔ sài bīng qì lián yún tún,
The foe’s battle-aura chokes the clouds,

战场白骨缠草根。
Zhànchǎng báigǔ chán cǎo gēn.
On the battlefield, white bones tangle with grass roots.

剑河风急雪片阔，
Jiàn Hé fēng jí xuě piàn kuò,
At Sword River, fierce winds blow, snowflakes vast,

沙口石冻马蹄脱。
Shākǒu shí dòng mǎtí tuō.
At Sand Pass, stones freeze, horses’ hooves crack.

亚相勤王甘苦辛，
Yà xiàng qín wáng gān kǔxīn,
The Vice-Marshal serves the king, enduring hardship,

誓将报主静边尘。
Shì jiāng bào zhǔ jìng biān chén.
Vowing to repay his lord, to calm the frontier dust.

古来青史谁不见，
Gǔ lái qīngshǐ shéi bú jiàn,
Since ancient times, who in history is unseen?

今见功名胜古人。
Jīn jiàn gōngmíng shèng gǔrén.
Today, his deeds surpass the ancients.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. Opening Scene (Lines 1-4):
   - The poem begins with the sound of war horns at night, signaling imminent battle.
   - The falling banners symbolize the enemy’s retreat or defeat.
   - Urgent military dispatches (羽书, yǔ shū) suggest the swift movement of troops.

2. Preparation for Battle (Lines 5-8):
   - The dark smoke and dust foreshadow the chaos of war.
   - The general’s departure at dawn is marked by flute music, a traditional send-off for soldiers.

3. The Battle’s Fury (Lines 9-12):
   - Drums and war cries shake the earth, emphasizing the scale of the conflict.
   - The "Snow Sea" (雪海, xuě hǎi) and Yin Mountains (阴山, Yīnshān) symbolize the harsh, untamed frontier.

4. Aftermath of War (Lines 13-16):
   - The bones among the grass reflect the brutality of war.
   - The frozen landscape (Sword River, Sand Pass) underscores the suffering of soldiers.

5. Tribute to the General (Lines 17-20):
   - The Vice-Marshal (亚相, yà xiàng) is praised for his loyalty and sacrifice.
   - The final lines declare that his deeds will be remembered in history.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Heroism and Loyalty:
   - The poem glorifies the general’s dedication to the Tang Empire.
   - The soldiers’ willingness to endure hardship reflects Confucian values of duty and sacrifice.

2. Nature’s Power:
   - The frontier’s extreme conditions (snow, wind, cold) symbolize both danger and majesty.

3. The Cost of War:
   - The "white bones" serve as a grim reminder of war’s toll.

Cultural Context

• Tang Dynasty Military Campaigns:
  The poem reflects the Tang Empire’s expansionist policies and the constant warfare on its borders.

• Frontier Poetry (边塞诗):
  Cen Shen’s works are prime examples of this genre, blending personal experience with epic storytelling.

Conclusion

"轮台歌奉送封大夫出师西征" is a masterpiece of frontier poetry, combining vivid imagery, emotional depth, and historical significance. It captures the heroism of soldiers, the beauty and terror of the frontier, and the timeless struggle for glory and survival.

Even today, the poem resonates as a tribute to courage and a meditation on the costs of war. For readers exploring Chinese literature, it offers a window into the Tang Dynasty’s martial spirit and the enduring power of poetry.