[宋] 苏轼
楚人悲屈原,千载意未歇。
精魂飘何处,父老空哽咽。
至今沧江上,投饭救饥渴。
遗风成竞渡,哀叫楚山裂。
屈原古壮士,就死意甚烈。
世俗安得知,眷眷不忍决。
南宾旧属楚,山上有遗塔。
应是奉佛人,恐子就沦灭。
此事虽无凭,此意固已切。
古人谁不死,何必较考折。
名声实无穷,富贵亦暂热。
大夫知此理,所以持死节。
Here is a modern Chinese translation of Su Shi's poem "The Pagoda of Qu Yuan":
The people of Chu still mourn for Qu Yuan, A thousand years have not dulled their grief. Where does his noble spirit wander now? The elders can only sob in vain.
To this day on the river's dark waters, They cast rice to ease his hunger and thirst. The custom lives on in dragon boat races, Their wails seem to rend Chu's mountains apart.
Qu Yuan was a hero of ancient times, Who faced death with unyielding resolve. How could worldly people understand His lingering, reluctant farewell?
Nanchang once belonged to the Chu state, Where a pagoda stands on the hill. Perhaps built by pious Buddhists, Fearing his memory would fade away.
Though this story lacks solid proof, The sentiment behind it rings true. All ancient men must meet their end, Why debate the manner of death?
Fame's radiance truly knows no bounds, While wealth and rank are fleeting flames. The wise minister understood this well, Thus held fast to his noble sacrifice.