Friday 12 April 2013

賈島 十年磨一劍,霜刃未曾試。 To forge a fine sword, it took me ten years; It has never been wielded in anger.

《劍客》  北宋 • 賈島
 


十年磨一劍,
霜刃未曾試。
今日把示君,

誰有不平事 

JIAN KE: "The Swordsman"
-- by JIA DAO
(779 - 843)
 -- Translated by Frank C Yue
 

To forge a fine sword, it took me ten years;
It has never been wielded in anger.
I am showing you its sharp blades today;
It's eager to redress wrongs right away!

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