Song of the Bowmen of Shu
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ere we are, picking the first fern-shootsAnd saying: When shall we get back to our country?Here we are because we have the Ken-nin for ourfoemen,We have no comfort because of these Mongols.We grub the soft fern-shoots,When anyone says "Return," the others are full ofsorrow.Sorrowful minds, sorrow is strong, we are hungryand thirsty.Our defence is not yet made sure, no one can lethis friend return.We grub the old fern-stalks.We say: Will we be let to go back in October?There is no ease in royal affairs, we have no comfort.Our sorrow is bitter, but we would not return to ourcountry.What flower has come into blossom?Whose chariot? The General's.Horses, his horses even, are tired. They were strong.We have no rest, three battles a month.By heaven, his horses are tired.The generals are on them, the soldiers are by themThe horses are well trained, the generals have ivoryarrows and quivers ornamented with fish-skin.The enemy is swift, we must be careful.When we set out, the willows were drooping with spring,We come back in the snow,We go slowly, we are hungry and thirsty,Our mind is full of sorrow, who will know of our grief? _By Kutsugen.__4th Century B.C._
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