sh to hear it。 I admire it greatly。〃
〃Try;〃 said Zhou Yu。
So Zhuge Liang recited the poem:
〃Let me follow in the footsteps of the enlightened ruler that I may rejoice;
And ascend the storied terrace that I may gladden my heart;
That I may see the wide extent of the palace;
That I may gaze upon the plans of the virtuous one。
He has established the exalted gates high as the hills;
He has built the lofty towers piercing the blue vault;
He has set up the beautiful building in the midst of the heavens;
Whence the eye can range over the cities of the west。
On the banks of the rolling River Zhang he planned it;
Whence abundance of fruits could be looked for in his gardens。
The two towers rise; one on either flank;
This named Golden Phoenix; that Jade Dragon。
He would have the two Qiaos; these beautiful ladies of Wu;
That he might rejoice with them morning and evening。
Look down; there is the grand beauty of an imperial city;
And the rolling vapors lie floating beneath。
He will rejoice in the multitude of scholars that assemble;
Answering to the felicitous dream of King Wen。
Look up; and there is the gorgeous harmony of springtime;
And the singing of many birds delighting the ear;
The lofty sky stands over all。
The house desires success in its double undertaking;
That the humane influence may be poured out over all the world;
That the perfection of reverence may be offered to the Ruler。
Only the richly prosperous rule of Kings Wu and Huan
Could pare with that of the sacred understanding
That fortune! What beauty!
The gracious kindness spreads afar;
The imperial fam