昔吾亲更之。
Where I once stayed and things were very bad.
冰雪截肌肤，
The ice and snow would cut into the skin
风飘无止期。
And chilly winds would often have set in.
百里不见人，
Since not a soul is seen for miles around,
草木谁当迟？
Where on earth are woodsmen to be found?
登城望亭燧，
When I watch the beacon tower from the wall,
翩翩飞戍旗。
I see the army banners large and small.
行者不顾反，
Never knowing if they might return,
出门与家辞。
The soldiers leave their homes with deep concern.
子弟多俘虏，
So many soldiers become prisoners of war
哭泣无已时。
That like floods their tears will pour and pour.
天下尽乐土，
As happy lands are everywhere on earth,
何为久留兹？
Why abide in land that knows no mirth?
蓼虫不知辛，
The natives hardened by a life severe
去来勿与咨。
Do not care if they ever leave here.