Going Out Military Music: Nine Poems
前出塞： 九首
换 弓 当 换 强
用 剑 当 用 长。
身 人 先 身 马
擒 贼 先 擒 王。
杀 人 亦 有 限
列 国 自 有 疆。
苟 能 制 侵 凌
岂 在 多 杀 伤？
Qian Chu Sai: Jiu Shou
Huan gong dang huan qiang
Yong jian dang yong chang
Shen ren xian shen ma
Qin zei xian qin wang.
Sha ren yi you xian
Lie guo zi yu jiang
Gou neng zhi qin ling
Qi zai duo sha shang?
Going Out Military Music: Nine Poems
To utilize a bow, it has to be very strong and powerful
To be useful, swords should be long.
Initially shoot to kill their mounts
First priority is to capture the barbarian leaders.
Kill people selectively and with care
Honor the borders of the other countries.
Control the extent of collateral damage
Isn’t it better to kill just the criminal few?
