A Small Cypress Boat

interpretive translation

On the billowing water

How long have you been marooned

Who was the first to cross here—

Unrivaled king of all kings

syllabic translation

Across the width of flowing water, a small cypress boat

How many years has it been marooned there at the blue crest

If people in later days ask who crossed it very first—

An emperor of all peoples, master of arts and war

literal translation

WideThatAmidstFlowSmallCypressBoat

NumberYearLeisurelyChainBlueWavesThatHead

AfterHumanIfAskWhoFirstCross

LiteratureGeneralshipIncludeEntirelyTenthousandsPeopleEmperor