Hịch Tướng Sĩ
Trần Quốc Tuấn
Trần Quốc Tuấn
Hịch Tướng Sĩ
Bản diễn dịch tiếng Anh của George F. Schultz
TRAN HUNG DAO S PROCLAMATION TO HIS OFFICERS
Translated and adapted by George F. Schultz
I have often read the story of Ky Tin who replaced the Emperor Cao to save him from death, of Do
Vu who took a blow in his back to spare King Chieu, of Du Nhuong who swallowed burning
charcoal to avenge his leader, of Than Khoai who cut off an arm to save his country, of young Kinh
Duc who rescued the Emperor Thai Tong besieged by The Sung, and of Cao Khanh, a subject living
far from the Court, who insulted the rebel Loc Son to his face. Every century has produced heroes
who have sacrificed their lives for their country. If they had remained at home to die by the fire,
would their names have been inscribed on bamboo and silk to live eternally in Heaven and on the
Earth?
But as descendants of warrior families, you are not well-versed in letters; on hearing about these
deeds of the past, you may have some doubts. Let us speak of them no more. I shall tell you instead
of several more recent events that have taken place during the years of the Tong and Nguyen
dynasties.
Who was Vuong Cong Kien? And who was his lieutenant Nguyen Van Lap? They were the ones
who defended the great citadel of Dieu Ngu against Mong Kha s immense army; Therefore, the Tong
people will be eternally grateful to them.
Who was Cot-Ngai Ngot-Lang? And who was his lieutenant Xich Tu Tu? They were the ones who
drove deep into an unhealthful country in order to put down the Nam-Chieu bandits and they did it
within the space of a few weeks; therefore, their names have remained rooted in the minds of the
Mongol military chieftains.
You and I were born in a period of troubles and have grown up at a time when the Fatherland is in
danger. We have seen the enemy ambassadors haughtily traveling over our roads and wagging their
owlish tongues to insult the Court. Despicable as dogs and goats, they boldly humiliate our high
officials. Supported by the Mongol emperor, they incessantly demand the payment of pearls, silks,
gold and silver. Our wealth is limited but their cupidity is infinite. To yield to their exactions would
be to feed their insatiable appetites and would set a dangerous precedent for the future.
In the face of these dangers to the Fatherland, I fail to eat during the day and to sleep at night. Tears
