Reflections on the Ancient Red Cliff--To the tune of Niannujiao

The Great River flows,Eastward waves sweeping away,For thousands of years, gallant heroes.West of the ancient fort, they say, standsThe Red Cliff of the Three-Kingdoms' Duke Zhou.Rocks pierce the sky, shore-tearingWaves swirl into piles of snow.What a glorious sweep of land,Once a stage for so many a hero!

My thoughts drift to those years when ZhouHad newly married the beautiful Qiao,Vigour and valour aglow.A feather fan and a silken hat,He masterminded the fire-attack on the foe--Over a casual chatTo see their fleet perish, blow by blow.Back from my mental vagrancy in that bygone age,I must laugh at myself: letting sentiments growInto grey hairs, too soon.But isn't life a dream, after all？Let me pledge this cup to the River,To the Moon.