(144) The Westernmost Stronghold
出嘉峪关感赋
Lin Ze-xu (1785-1850)
林则徐
The hundred-foot-high Great Wall bars the western sky;
严关百尺界天西，
Having journeyed for miles and miles, I stop my steed.
万里征人驻马蹄。
The endless battlements join proud trees far and night;
飞阁遥连秦树直，
The surrounding walls weigh on clouds flying with speed.
缭垣斜压陇云低。
Steep Heaven's Mountain stands level with the stronghold;
天山巉削摩肩立，
The boundless desert come in view puzzles my eyes.
潮海苍茫入望迷。
Who says the Eastern Pass is strongest as of old?
谁道崤函千古险，
Looking back, I find only a mole-hill rise.
回看只见一丸泥。