to his wife

since we plaited hair and wed

no doubt divided our love

let us rejoice tonight

at our sport for now

I recall how far I go

leap from bed to look

the celestial bodies are dim

the road is ahead for me

away on duty in the battlefield

returning I know not when

I sigh upon your hand

weeping is later when we’re apart

spring flowers may you adore

but do not forget us

if I live I shall return

if I die we’ll love on forever

General Su Wu
tr. after Waley