五月天山雪，
無花只有寒。
In summer sky-high mountains white with snow, In bitter cold no fragrant flowers blow.
笛中聞《折柳》，
春色未曾看。
Songs on the flute are heard of Willows Green, But nowhere is the vernal colour seen.
曉戰隨金鼓，
宵眠抱玉鞍。
From dawn till dusk to beats of drum they fight; With saddle in their arms they rest at night.
願將腰下劍，
直為斬樓蘭。
From scabbard at my waist I’d draw my sword To kill the chieftain of the Turki horde.