King Swan's Expedition

In majesty, resplendent,
The royal mandates go
To the lord Hwang-fu, — Nan Chung's descendant, —
His generalissimo:
Equip me my six legions,
My weapons of war prepare;
We go to befriend those southern regions,
Yet first need utmost care.

Next bade he his Recorder:
Charge the Earl of Ch'ing, Hiu-fu,
Put right and left in marching order;
My soldiers bid pursue
The course of Hwai's broad waters
Till Siu-land they shall see,
Then loiter not, nor there seek quarters,
But back to the duties three.

Majestic, awe-inspiring,
Heaven's Son, the great and dread,
His troops with slow, calm step, untiring,
In open order led.
All Siu-land paled with, wonder,
All Siu-land shrank dismayed;
As with the crash and din of thunder
It trembled sore afraid.

The King — his brave soul swelling —
With anger seemed inflamed.
His tiger-leaders forth-compelling,
Tigers he truly named.
Troops o'er Hwai's banks disposing,
They crowds of the foe ensnare;
Roads to the river all were closing,
The royal troops were there!

Great was his army's strength; —
Like birds on the wing for speed,
Like the Han and Kiang for breadth and length,
Like a mountain thickly treed.
Like a great rolling river
Continuous, uniform,
Unfathomed, unimpeded ever;—
Siu-land it took by storm.

Strict terms the King directed,
And Siu-land's chiefs obeyed;
And Siu-land thus became connected,—
Heaven's Son such art displayed.
On every side was order;
Siu's chiefs their homage bring;
Now, no revolt within each border,
"Back, homewards," cried the King.