Page:The works of Li Po - Obata.djvu/154

 ^> 88. THE ROVER OF CHAO

Oh, the Rover of Chao with his Tartar-fashioned cap, ^r> A scimitar on his side, gleaming bright like the snow, T>w. The silver saddle glittering on his white horse, ^^ Behold, he comes and is gone like a shooting star;

</ Tj Kills a man at every ten paces as he goes,

And goes he a thousand miles without stopping.

The deed done, he shakes his raiment and departs —

None knows whither, nor even his name.

He stops at leisure and drinks with Prince Hsin-ling, Laying his drawn sword across his knee; Picks up a piece of roast meat for Chu-hai to eat; Offers a goblet of wine to Hou-ying to drink;

After three rounds gives a pledge of fealty,

And weightier is his vow even than the Five Mountains.

When his ears are hot and his eyes burn,

His heroic soul blazes forth like a rainbow.

A hammer in his hand saved the kingdom of Chao, And the whole city of Han-tan shook with terror. How the glory of two such strong men shines For a thousand autumns over the ramparts of Tai-Liang!

Sweet honor perfumes their heroic bones, Putting to shame the literati of the world, [128]

�� �