[A rough translation]
The endless river eastward flows; With its huge waves are gone all those Gallant heroes of bygone years. West of the ancient fortress years Red Cliff where General Zhou Yu won his early fame When the Three Kingdoms were in flame. Jugged rocks tower in the air And swashing waves beat on the air Rolling up a thousand heaps of snow. To match the hills and the river so fair, How many heroes brave of yore Made a great show!
Another translation
The great river surges east, Its waves have scoured away Since time began all traces of heroic men. The western side of the old fort Was once, so people say, Known as the Red Cliff of Zhou of the Three Kingdoms. With piled-up rocks to stab the sky And waves to shake them thunderously Churning the frothy mass to mounds of snow, It's like a masterpiece in paint. Those ages hide how many a hero! Think back to those old days; that first year when Zhou Yu had just married the Young Qiao. Then, what a hero he became! With waving fan and silken cap He talked and laughed at ease While masts and oars were blotted out in smoke and flame! My wits that stray to realms of old Deserve the scorn of all who feel; Years pass, and hair grows white so soon. Though a man's life is like a dream, One toast continues still -- the River and the Moon!
Tr. Lin Shan
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