At Zhennanguan, left foot China, right foot Vietnam

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Halting at South Holding Pass

Le Quy Don Distant border posts          surround and protect                  the august capital, Their uneven terrain now worn flat. Two mountains split          a divide with sharp cliffs, A single passage arrays mulitple walls. Adhering to rites          tribute passes on its way, The arrival of a command          puts hostilities to a stop. Auxiliary officials          must be reverential and circumspect, For a myraid leagues          there are walled citidels.

Zhù Zhènnánguān

Le Quy Don Yuǎn jiào gǒng Xīngjīng, Qíqú yì dǐ píng. Liǎng shān fēn bàn bì, Yī jìng liè zhòng chéng. Bǐng lǐ tōng guībì, Lái zhāng mí jiǎbīng. Péichén wéi jìng shèn, Wànlǐ yǒu Chāngān.

Translator:

Liam Kelley 翻譯者

Notes: Lian Kelley points out that this is a very interesting poem for it is about the pass itself, the purpose of its existenc, and its meaning to Vietnamese officials. For furthur dicussion of this poem read Liam Kelley's Beyond The Bronze Pillars, Envoy Poetry and the Sino-Vietnamese Relationship, U of Hawaii Press.

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