The Eight-Formation Diagram
His achievements surpassed those of the Three Kingdoms;
His fame rests in the Eight-Formation Diagram.
The river flows, yet the stones do not move;
A lasting regret: the ill-fated attempt against Wu.
Notes
The Eight-Formation Diagram is a military formation traditionally associated with Zhuge Liang. “Three kingdoms” refers to the Three Kingdoms period; one textual variant reads “fame is high” in the second line. The last line laments the ill-fated attempt against Wu, though readers differ on its historical meaning.
Meaning
The poem praises Zhuge Liang and the formation associated with him. A lasting arrangement of stones against the river’s movement leads to a final historical regret.
Appreciation
The poem recalls Zhuge Liang through the traditional image of his military formation, combining praise with regret.
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Its opening moves from the Three Kingdoms as a whole to the named formation.
A flowing river contrasts with stones that seem to remain in place, making a vivid image of endurance.
The final regret admits different historical interpretations and need not be treated as a definitive judgment.
About the poet
Du Fu (712–770), courtesy name Zimei, was a major Tang poet.
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His poetry records personal experience and the upheaval of his age, including the An Lushan rebellion.
He lived in Kuizhou in later years; his works include Spring View and Ascending the Heights.