Thinking of Loyalty

登九灵兮游神，静女歌兮微晨。

I climb to the nine heavens and let my spirit roam, while the goddess Jingnü sings in the faint light of dawn.

悲皇丘兮积葛，众体错兮交纷。

I grieve that on the fair hill the kudzu vines pile up, their many stems tangled and crossing in confusion.

贞枝抑兮枯槁，枉车登兮庆云。

The straight stems are held down to wither, while the crooked are carted up by the load to the auspicious clouds of honour.

感余志兮惨栗，心怆怆兮自怜。

This stirs my purpose into pain and trembling; my heart aches with grief and I pity myself.

驾玄螭兮北征，曏吾路兮葱岭。

I harness the dark hornless dragon and ride north, turning my road towards the lofty Mount Congling.

连五宿兮建旄，扬氛气兮为旌。

I string together the five constellations to raise as my standard, and lift the mists and vapours to serve as banners.

历广漠兮驰骛，览中国兮冥冥。

I race across the broad wastes and look down on the central states, all sunk in gloom.

玄武步兮水母，与吾期兮南荣。

Xuanwu the dark tortoise and the water spirit Shuimu walk with me as escorts, pledging to meet me in the ever-green south.

登华盖兮乘阳，聊逍遥兮播光。

I climb the Huagai stars and mount on the sunlit air, roaming at ease for a while and scattering light.

抽库娄兮酌醴，援瓟瓜兮接粮。

I draw down the Kulou stars as a vessel to pour sweet wine, and pull the Paogua stars to serve as my provisions.

毕休息兮远逝，发玉軔兮西行。

Rest over, I set off again on the far road; I pull away the jade wheel-block and drive westwards.

惟时俗兮疾正，弗可久兮此方。

Because the custom of the age hates the upright, I cannot stay long in this quarter.

寤辟摽兮永思，心怫郁兮内伤。

Awake I beat my breast and brood without end; my heart is choked with indignation and wounded within.