Read Han Dynasty Books: Two Poems
读 “汉 书”： 二 首
猿 臂 生 何 晚
雕 虫 死 较 迟。
晚 生 好 底 事
迟 死 独 堪 悲。
乃 祖 宽 仍 豁
曾 孙 察 作 明。
不 将 襄 底 智
分 减 及 元 成！
Du “Han Shu”: Er Shou
Yuan bi sheng he wan
Diao chong si jiao chi.
Wan sheng hao di shi
Chi si du kan bei.
Nai zu kuan reng huo
Ceng shun cha zuo ming.
Bu jiang xiang di zhi
Fen jian ji yuan chong!
Read Han Dynasty Books: Two Poems
Why was General Yuan Bi, who fought with long-armed weapons and a flying horse, born so late?
By comparison, Diao Chong died too late.
Yuan Bi died at an old age with an excellent reputation
Diao Chong’s whole life filled with so much pains and sorrow.
Early Han leaders were generous with their power and wealth
Diao’s grandchildren could study his famous writings.
Yuan’s wisdom vast, but was seldom utilized
Imperial competency and quality declined over the years until hitting rock bottom with emperors Yuan and Cheng.
Notes:
Yuan Bi (aka Liguang): (184-119 BC) Han Dynasty army general noted for being a brilliant and charismatic military leader, he was nicknamed “The Flying General” by the enemy northern nomads, the Xiongnu.
Diao Chong: (aka Yangxiong): (55-18 BC): Western Han Dynasty philosopher, poet and politician. His most famous writings appeared in his book completed in 9 BC titled, “Modeled Sayings” or “Exemplary Figures”. In thirteen chapters he discussed philosophy, politics, literature and ethics. In the Book of Han, a collection of the best literature during the Han Dynasty, a full two-part chapter was devoted to Yangxiong. He believed that human nature was a mixture, comprised of both good and bad characteristics.
Emperor Yuan: (75-33 BC)(r. 48-33 BC): Remembered as an ineffective and indecisive leader during the end of the Western Han Dynasty. Being a follower of Confucianism, he allowed this faction to struggle with another faction of palace insiders to create a reign of confusion and infighting.
Emperor Cheng: (51-7 BC) (r. 33-7 BC) : Han Dynasty emperor during the growing disintegration of the empire. Infamous for his reign of despotism, corruption and greed that led to widespread rebellions within the state.