Visiting the Temple of Mount Heng and Staying Overnight at the Temple Gate Tower (Han Yu)

The ritual for the Five Peaks equals that for the Three Dukes,

The four directions are ringed by mountains, with Mount Song at the center.

In the southern fiery region, wild and full of strange beings,

Heaven granted the god authority, alone in majestic power.

Clouds and mist spew forth, obscuring the mountain’s waist,

Though there is a summit, who can climb to its end?

When I came, it was the season of autumn rains,

Yin vapors dim and dark, with no clear breeze.

Silent in my heart, I prayed, and it seemed answered—

Could it be that a righteous mind moves the spirits?

In a moment, the clouds cleared without a trace,

The peaks emerged, lifting their heads to pierce the blue sky.

Purple Canopy Peak links to Heaven Pillar Peak,

Stone Granary Peak leaps and piles up to Fiery Candle Peak.

The scene is stern, shaking the soul and spirit,

I dismount and bow, following a path of pines and cypresses to the spirit palace.

White walls and red pillars glisten with light,

Paintings of ghostly creatures fill green and red.

Ascending the steps, I bow and offer dried meat and wine,

Wishing with these humble gifts to show my sincere heart.

An old man in the temple understands the god’s intent,

Staring wide-eyed, he examines and reverently bows.

Holding the divination blocks, he guides me to cast,

Saying this is the most auspicious sign, none other can compare.

Exiled to a wild land, by fortune I have not died,

Food and clothing barely suffice, I am content to stay thus long.

Hopes for noble rank and high office have long been cut off,

Even if the god wished to bless me, success would be hard to achieve.

At night I lodge in the temple, climbing a high pavilion,

Stars and moon faintly shine through misty clouds.

Monkeys cry and bells sound, I know not when dawn breaks,

The cold, bright sun rises from the east.