Analysis of "马嵬·其二" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "马嵬·其二" (Mǎ Wéi · Qí Èr) was written by Li Shangyin (李商隐, 813–858), one of the most celebrated poets of the late Tang Dynasty. Known for his dense, allusive style and emotional depth, Li Shangyin often explored themes of love, loss, and political turmoil.

This poem reflects on the tragic fate of Yang Guifei (杨贵妃), the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, whose death at Mawei Station (马嵬驿) during the An Lushan Rebellion became a symbol of lost love and imperial downfall. The poem contrasts the emperor’s powerlessness in love with the ordinary joys of domestic life, offering a poignant critique of romanticized history.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

海外徒闻更九州，他生未卜此生休。
Hǎi wài tú wén gèng jiǔ zhōu, tā shēng wèi bǔ cǐ shēng xiū.
Beyond the seas, in vain we hear of other realms;
The next life is uncertain—this one’s already lost.

空闻虎旅传宵柝，无复鸡人报晓筹。
Kōng wén hǔ lǚ chuán xiāo tuò, wú fù jī rén bào xiǎo chóu.
Only the guards’ night watches echo in vain,
No morning caller announces dawn’s approach.

此日六军同驻马，当时七夕笑牵牛。
Cǐ rì liù jūn tóng zhù mǎ, dāng shí qī xī xiào qiān niú.
This day, the army halts, demanding her death;
That night, they laughed at the Cowherd and Weaver Maid.

如何四纪为天子，不及卢家有莫愁。
Rú hé sì jì wéi tiān zǐ, bù jí lú jiā yǒu mò chóu.
How can an emperor of forty years
Not match a common man who keeps his love?

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Beyond the seas, in vain we hear of other realms..."
   - The opening line references a legend that Yang Guifei’s spirit fled to a mythical island after death. The poet dismisses this as futile—her fate is sealed.

2. "Only the guards’ night watches echo in vain..."
   - The emperor, once protected by palace rituals, now hears only military signals—a stark contrast to his former luxury.

3. "This day, the army halts, demanding her death..."
   - The tragic climax: Emperor Xuanzong is forced to order Yang Guifei’s execution to quell his mutinous troops.

4. "How can an emperor of forty years..."
   - The final couplet delivers a biting irony: A ruler who held power for decades couldn’t protect his love, unlike ordinary couples like Lu Ye and his wife, Mo Chou (莫愁, "Never Sorrow").

Themes and Symbolism

• Love and Power: The poem contrasts romantic idealism (the emperor and Yang Guifei’s legendary love) with harsh reality (political betrayal and death).
• Fate vs. Free Will: The emperor’s inability to change Yang Guifei’s fate underscores the limits of power.
• Irony of History: The Cowherd and Weaver Maid (牛郎织女)—a star-crossed lovers’ myth—are mocked, as their tragic reunion seems preferable to Yang Guifei’s violent end.

Cultural Context

• Mawei Incident (756 CE): During the An Lushan Rebellion, Emperor Xuanzong’s army mutinied, blaming Yang Guifei for the dynasty’s decline. Her execution became a symbol of sacrifice.
• Tang Dynasty Poetry: Li Shangyin’s work often blends historical allusion with personal melancholy, reflecting the Tang Dynasty’s decline.

Conclusion

"马嵬·其二" is a masterful meditation on love, power, and inevitability. Li Shangyin’s layered imagery and sharp irony force readers to question whether grand romance—or even imperial might—can withstand the tides of history. Today, the poem resonates as a timeless reminder that human emotions, whether in palaces or humble homes, are both fragile and universal.

"How can an emperor of forty years / Not match a common man who keeps his love?"—perhaps the answer lies not in power, but in the simple, enduring bonds we cherish.