Imperial Capital 10

Emperor Taizong of Tang

Translated by Wu Songlin

O mighty capital in the western plain!

With the secluded valley as its royal gate amain.

8000 feet high the worthy palace clambers!

Over 3000 feet long the temporary palace covers,

Whose roofs are soaring afar to the Milky Way,

Whose lofty towers to Heavenly Palace, as they may.

Clouds and the sun are hidden in the eave rows,

Breezes and mists trail from gauze-draped windows.

秦川雄帝宅，函谷壮皇居。绮殿千寻起，离宫百雉余。 连薨遥接汉，飞观迥凌虚。云日隐层阙，风烟出绮疏。