Old Private School---Chuci

Author: Wang Hui
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1999-03-01
Features: A comprehensive collection of works by Chu Dynasty poets such as Qu Yuan and others. The earliest edition was compiled and edited by Liu Xiang during the Western Han Dynasty, and it has since been refined by many others. This book includes renowned works such as Qu Yuan's Li Sao, Jiu Ge, Tian Wen, Jiu Zhang, Yuan You, Bu Ju, and Yu Fu, as well as Song Yu's Jiu Bian and Zhao Hun, Jing Cha's Da Zhao, among others, accompanied by annotations. It generally reflects the style of romantic literature created in the southern region at that time. Chu Ci and Shijing represent the pinnacle of ancient Chinese poetry and are collectively known as Feng Sao.
Li Sao is a longpoem that is a masterpiece of the great patriotic poet Qu Yuan. It marks a new genre of poetry in Chinese literature after Shijing. It is one of the most magnificent lyrical poems in ancient China, revered by generations of literati as a work that "rivals the sun and moon in brilliance" for over two thousand years. In this poem, Qu Yuan expresses his life story, noble aspirations, and unfortunate hardships; it embodies the sublime patriotism of the great poet, his unwavering commitment to his ideals even unto death, and the line "The road is long, yet I will seek above and below" has become an eternal chorus.
[Original Poem]
O, offspring of the High God Gao Yang,
My revered father's name is Xiong Boyong.
In the auspicious day of the Yin year and Yin month,
On the day of Geng Yin, I descended to the world.
My father, upon gazing at my newborn form,
Consulted the diviner's art to grant me a noble name:
He named me Zheng Ze, and gave me the title Ling Jun.
[Annotation]
I am the descendant of the ancient ruler Zhuan Xu of the High God,
My respected father's name is Xiong Boyong.
On the auspicious day of the Yin year and Yin month,
On the day of Geng Yin, I was born into this world.
My father, upon examining my newborn self,
Used divination to bestow upon me a fine name:
He named me Zheng Ze and titled me Ling Jun.