When I was young I learnt fencing And was better at it than Ch'u-ch'eng. My spirit was high as the rolling clouds And my fame resounded beyond the World. I took my sword to the desert sands, I watered my horse in the Nine Wilds. My flags and banners flapped in the wind, And nothing was heard but the song of my drums.
War and its travels have made me sad, And a fierce anger burns within me. It's thinking of how I've wasted my time That makes this fury tear my heart.