出塞
On the Frontier
Original
秦时明月汉时关，
万里长征人未还。
但使龙城飞将在，
不教胡马度阴山。
Translation
The moon still shines as in Qin days, the pass stands as in Han times,
Thousands of miles on the march, no soldier returns home again.
If only the Flying General of Longcheng were here today,
Barbarian steeds would never cross the Yinshan Range.
Line by Line Analysis
About This Poem
On the Frontier is a timeless masterpiece of Tang frontier poetry, crafted amid frequent border conflicts between the Tang Dynasty and northern nomadic tribes. The poem opens with a striking interweaving of time and space—moonlight that witnessed the Qin and Han dynasties, and a pass that has stood for centuries—evoking a sense of historical continuity and the endless cycle of war. It laments the tragic fate of soldiers who march thousands of miles never to return, then expresses a fervent wish for competent leadership: if the legendary General Li Guang were still alive, invaders would never breach the frontier. Beyond patriotic sentiment, it conveys deep empathy for soldiers’ suffering and subtle criticism of the court’s failure to appoint capable commanders, resonating with the universal desire for lasting peace.
About the Poet
王昌龄
Wáng Chānglíng
Wang Changling (c. 698–757) was a distinguished poet of the High Tang Dynasty, celebrated as one of the greatest 'Frontier Poets' and honored with the title 'Master of Seven-character Jueju'. His works, especially frontier-themed poems, stand out for their majestic tone and profound emotional depth. He skillfully weaves patriotic fervor with the melancholy of soldiers’ hardships, creating vivid, resonant verses that capture both the grandeur of the frontier and the universal longing for peace.
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background: During the High Tang era (7th-8th centuries), the empire expanded its borders but faced persistent threats from nomadic groups like the Xiongnu. Prolonged wars drained national resources and cost countless lives, becoming a pressing social issue. Cultural Background: Frontier poetry flourished in Tang, reflecting the era’s martial spirit and collective patriotism. The 'Flying General of Longcheng' refers to Li Guang, a revered Han general whose bravery against invaders became a symbol of military excellence. Social Background: Despite Tang’s prosperity, wars disrupted families and rural livelihoods, sparking public sympathy for soldiers enduring separation and hardship. Personal Experience: Wang Changling served in frontier garrisons, where he directly observed soldiers’ harsh conditions and homesickness, which shaped his poetic perspective. Creative Purpose & Artistic Features: The poem aims to voice empathy for soldiers, critique incompetent leadership, and advocate peace. Its artistic strengths include innovative 'intertextual time' (blending Qin and Han elements) to amplify historical weight, concise seven-character verses, and seamless fusion of grand frontier imagery with intimate emotion, making it a paragon of Tang poetry.