The Chancellor of Shu
Where can I find the chancellor’s shrine?
Outside the Brocade City, cypresses grow thick.
Green grass beside the steps displays spring on its own;
Beyond the leaves an oriole sings beautifully in vain.
Three visits sought his plans for the realm;
He served two reigns with a devoted minister’s heart.
Before his campaigns achieved their aim, he died;
Ever since, heroes have filled their robes with tears.
Notes
The chancellor is Zhuge Liang of Shu Han, and the Brocade City is Chengdu. Three visits recalls Liu Bei seeking his counsel; two reigns refers to Liu Bei and Liu Shan. Zhuge Liang died before his campaigns achieved their ultimate aim.
Meaning
At Zhuge Liang’s shrine, the poet contrasts spring scenery with remembrance of his service and death before his campaigns reached their aim.
Appreciation
A question and dense cypresses locate the shrine outside Chengdu.
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Spring grass and an oriole contrast with the speaker’s remembrance.
Three visits and two reigns condense a long historical career into two phrases.
The unfinished campaign and later tears join admiration with regret.
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.