沒蕃故人 張籍

沒蕃故人     張籍  (766─830)

前年戌月支，城下沒全師。
蕃漢斷消息，死生長別離。
無人收廢帳，歸馬識殘旗。
欲祭疑君在，天涯哭此時。

An Old Friend Who Bit the Dust on the Barbarian Soil

Zhang Jie (766─830)

Year before last against the barbarian state of Yue Zhi you led an army to keep vigil,

Unfortunately the whole army perished in the battle beneath the city wall under your call,
Communications between the barbarian state and the Central empire was cut off,
The living and the dead are parted once and for all,
Away your torn commander tent had no one to stow,
Only from your escaped war horse can I recognize your banner tattoos,
Hesitating to offer you memorial services but I have to be infallible,
At end of world I could only let my tears fall.