奉济驿重送严公四韵 Farewell ode to Minister Yan
远送从此别，青山空复情。
yuǎn sòng cóng cǐ bié ， qīng shān kōng fù qíng 。
As we part ways from distant shores, our souls adrift, we bid farewell, Green mountains stand in solemn grace, our hearts with longing swell.
几时杯重把，昨夜月同行。
jī shí bēi zhòng bǎ ， zuó yè yuè tóng xíng 。
When shall we clasp the goblet anew, in merry revelry, Last eve, beneath the moon's soft glow, we embarked on a shared journey.
列郡讴歌惜，三朝出入荣。
liè jùn ōu gē xī ， sān zhāo chū rù róng 。
In every province, melodies of lamentation resound, Reluctant are the people, loath to see you leave this ground. Through three reigns, you strode with honour, adorned in glorious array, Now, I send you forth, while I retreat to the riverside's tranquil bay.
江村独归处，寂寞养残生。
jiāng cūn dú guī chǔ ， jì mò yǎng cán shēng 。
In this secluded hamlet, I shall reside, embracing the solitude that plagues my life, Nurturing a fragile existence, life’s loneliness I gently embrace.
Background
In the fourth month of the year 762CE, Emperor Su Zong of the Tang Dynasty passed away, and Emperor Dai Zong ascended the throne. In the month of June, Yan Wu was summoned to the court, and Du Fu bid him farewell and composed a poetic gift. This was referred to as the "重送" (repeated farewell) due to a previous poem written by Du Fu titled "送严侍郎到绵州同登杜使君江楼宴" (Farewell to Minister Yan on his journey to Mianzhou, where Du Fu hosted a banquet at the Jiang Tower). The poem follows a strict rhyme pattern with paired lines and four rhyme endings, hence it is known as "四韵" (four rhymes).
Overview
Du Fu composed this poem to bid farewell to his good friend Yan Wu, praising him while also expressing his own lamentation over his "solitary and withered life." The poem conveys the poet's emotions as he sees Yan Wu off on his journey back to the imperial court. Du Fu had previously served as Yan Wu's aide and received his care and attention, so the feeling of reluctant parting needs no further explanation. The language of the poem is simple yet heartfelt, with a strict and balanced structure. It combines straightforwardness with subtle elegance, and reveals a touch of melancholy within its simplicity. The emotions conveyed are sincere and profound, evoking a sense of poignant sorrow.
Line Breakdown
远送从此别，青山空复情。
As we part ways from distant shores, our souls adrift, we bid farewell, Green mountains stand in solemn grace, our hearts with longing swell.
The poem begins by emphasizing the act of "far-off farewell," reflecting the profound emotions of the poet. The poet accompanies his friend through countless miles, stopping at numerous stations, until they reach the distant Fengji Relay Station, where unspoken words of deep understanding linger. The line "The green mountains hold countless emotions" carries profound significance. The towering peaks seem to bid farewell with a touch of sentiment, while the winding journey leaves the mountains reluctant to part, watching the traveler depart.
However, after accompanying the friend for thousands of miles, they must eventually part ways. By employing the metaphor of the mountains speaking for the poet, the poem eloquently expresses the bittersweet sentiment of not wanting to say goodbye yet being compelled to do so.
几时杯重把，昨夜月同行。
When shall we clasp the goblet anew, in merry revelry, Last eve, beneath the moon's soft glow, we embarked on a shared journey.
In the midst of the heartache of parting, the poet naturally recalls the scene of their farewell "last night": the radiant moon accompanied them on their journey, as they walked together under its brilliance, sharing drinks and intoxication, reciting poetry and expressing their emotions. After parting ways, uncertain of when they will meet again, the floodgates of the poet's emotions cannot be restrained any longer.
Thus, the poet poses the question, "When shall we raise our cups again?" The phrase "raise our cups again" vividly depicts the poet's envisioned scene of their joyful reunion. This question is directed at both the poet himself and his friend, as they navigate an era of social turbulence and uncertain fates. The poet's complex emotions at the time of farewell are encapsulated within this seemingly ordinary inquiry.
列郡讴歌惜，三朝出入荣。
In every province, melodies of lamentation resound, Reluctant are the people, loath to see you leave this ground. Through three reigns, you strode with honour, adorned in glorious array, Now, I send you forth, while I retreat to the riverside's tranquil bay.
The poet realizes that it would be difficult to encounter officials as deeply appreciative and supportive as Yan Wu in the future, adding another layer of sorrow to their parting. Regarding Yan Wu, the poet does not directly extol his political achievements, but rather states, "The people of various provinces sing praises and cherish him, having served in high positions during the reigns of Xuanzong, Suzong, and Daizong." It is mentioned that he held prominent positions during the three reigns and served in both provincial administrations and the imperial court. Upon his departure, the people of the eastern and western provinces sing his praises, expressing their heartfelt reluctance to part ways. The words are concise, yet convey the meaning in an elegant and graceful manner.
江村独归处，寂寞养残生。
In this secluded hamlet, I shall reside, embracing the solitude that plagues my life, Nurturing a fragile existence, life’s worn out loneliness I gently embrace.
The last two lines depict the poet's state of mind after bidding farewell. "Alone returning to the riverside village, nurturing a lonely and worn-out existence." The word "alone" signifies the solitude and lack of companionship after parting ways. The word "worn-out" carries the sense of melancholy and desolation that comes with the passing of time. The phrase "lonely and worn-out existence" conveys the poet's feelings of being forsaken and melancholic after the departure of someone who had shown genuine appreciation and deep friendship. These two lines fully embody the poet's sincere gratitude and profound friendship towards Yan Wu, while expressing a profound sense of attachment and reluctance to part ways.
