Top 10 Famous Poems of the National Hero Nguyễn Trãi

Bạch Đằng Hải Khẩu

The winds of the coastal gateway blow fiercely,The light sails glide gracefully across the Bạch Đằng River. The mountains look jagged, like sharks and crocodiles chopped into pieces,The shores appear as if spears and blades have been broken and submerged. The landscape is treacherous, embodying the strategy of 'fighting with a small force against a large one',This is where heroes once earned their glorious fame.Reflecting on past events, all is now gone! Standing here, how can one express their feelings?Bạch Đằng is a historic river in Vietnam, located in Quảng Yên Province (Northern Vietnam), originating from Phát Lại and flowing into the sea. The Bạch Đằng Gateway, which has since shifted direction, is now part of Hải Phòng. It was the site where Trần Hưng Đạo famously defeated the Mongol invaders. The Bạch Đằng Gateway is a scenic site that witnessed two victories by the Vietnamese forces over Chinese invaders: in the 10th century, Ngô Quyền defeated the Southern Han Army and captured Prince Hoằng Thao, and in the 13th century, Trần Hưng Đạo triumphed over the Yuan Army, capturing generals Ô Mã Nhi, Phan Tiệp, and Tích Lệ...Source: Nguyễn Trãi's Chinese Poetry, Văn Hoá Publishing House, 1962

Ghẹo Cô Hàng Chiếu

Where do you sell your straw mats, my lady?Is your stock sold out or do you still have some left?How old are you, by the turn of the seasons?Are you married yet, with how many children to your name?This poem is a playful exchange in the style of Nguyễn Thị Lộ's reply: "I sell my mats at West Lake, still plenty in stock,Why does it matter to you whether I have any left?As for age, I’m still in my prime, though it’s not yet complete,And I am yet to have a husband or child, don’t ask me that yet."

Source: "Literary Anecdotes of Vietnam", by Hoàng Ngọc Phách and Kiều Thu Hoạch, Literature Publishing House, Hanoi, 1988

Thủ Vĩ Ngâm

In the corner of the southern citadel, a small hut,No water to drink, no rice to eat.My child wishes to run away, as if someone is enticing him,And the horse is thin, lacking someone to tend to it.The pond is too small to release the fish,The home is used to scarcity, and afraid to raise the zebra.The court officials are neither here nor there, hiding in plain sight,In the corner of the southern citadel, a small hut.This poem could have been written when Nguyễn Trãi was confined in Đông Quan, as suggested by Nguyễn Khắc Kiệm’s preface, or during the time he was abandoned by Lê Thái Tổ after being imprisoned for allegedly being involved in the Trần Nguyên Hãn case. Although he was released and retained his position, he was not allowed to perform any duties. We (the Đào Duy Anh group) suspect it was written during the latter situation, as the tone of the poem reflects deep discouragement, which could not belong to a young man in his prime (around 30 years old) when he was detained in Đông Quan. Moreover, if he were imprisoned in Đông Quan, the line “Triều quan chẳng phải, ẩn chẳng phải” would not make sense.

Source: 1. http://nguyendu.com.free....honom/nguyentrai-qatt.htm 2. Nguyễn Trãi Complete Works, Đào Duy Anh, Social Sciences Publishing House, 1976

Teaching Wife and Children

5. He leisurely selects the correct words in national script, composing a song to teach his wife and children: Teach them proper manners, avoid excessive speech, and speak with wisdom. Dress simply, no need for excessive grooming. Maintain modesty in all things—stand and sit with grace. The simplest actions, not extravagant, reflect true character. In speech, avoid arrogance, stay humble and polite. A virtuous home brings peace and prosperity, where respect and kindness echo for generations. Caution against ill-advised behavior, for a reputation can be easily ruined, and poor decisions lead to regret. Avoid unnecessary indulgences like drinking or betting, and never compromise your integrity for short-term gain. Riches may come and go, but good character lasts forever. Never take advantage of others, and treat everyone with fairness. In difficult times, remember that the tides will turn. Be mindful of the small details in life, for they shape the course of your future. Care for the home, avoid gossip, and be discreet in your words. In public, let your conduct reflect your upbringing. Good fortune comes to those who maintain dignity, and your reputation will precede you. The smallest acts of kindness can create lasting memories, while negligence or neglect can bring regret. Be aware of the times when you may be tempted to cut corners or act hastily; the consequences often lead to trouble down the road. Live modestly, treat others with kindness, and keep a clear conscience. Never boast of your wealth, and avoid creating conflict where none is necessary. In all things, seek balance and contentment, for true happiness lies not in possessions but in the peace of mind you create for yourself and others.

The Introduction

Place the book down, stretch out your hand, and reflect,
For those who teach with care must be thorough,
Cosmetics are like pens, both tools to refine,
Isn't it true that the heart's intent knows no limits?

Self-Reflection

The boat drifts aimlessly by the river, unsure of whom to confide in. Perhaps the world today is not as it seems, making dreams feel like mere illusions. Sadness over the sudden downpour, coupled with the pain of the fierce winds, makes the heart ache. The clouds wander as the water flows downstream, leaving the boat to drift alone by the riverbank. Quách Tấn (in Hương vườn cũ) suggests that this poem is attributed to Nguyễn Trãi. Trần Trung Viên, in his Văn đàn bảo giám, also refers to it as Nguyễn Công's work. However, no version of this poem can be found in Quốc âm thi tập, and no other poem by Nguyễn Trãi in the lục bát form has been discovered. Source: Quách Tấn, Hương vườn cũ, NXB Hội nhà văn, 2007

The Great Proclamation of Bình Ngô (Translation by Ngô Tất Tố) Heavenly forces have acted, and His Majesty commands: It is said that the foundation of human morality lies in the tranquility of the people. A military campaign must first deal with the tyranny before addressing other matters. Our Đại Việt, historically, has long upheld its cultural heritage. The mountains, rivers, and borders are defined, and the customs of the North and South differ. From the Triệu, Đinh, Lý, and Trần dynasties, independence was established alongside the Hán, Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties, each vying for control in different regions. Despite fluctuating strengths, heroes and talents have always arisen in every era. Thus: Lưu Cung’s ambition led to his defeat; Triệu Tiết’s overconfidence brought his fall; The gate of Hàm Tử captured Toa Đô; The river of Bạch Đằng saw the death of Ô Mã. History bears witness to these events. Recently, the Hồ family’s reign caused turmoil, creating public discontent. The reckless army of the Ming took advantage of the situation, and traitors betrayed the nation for personal gain. They burned innocent people alive, threw children into the depths of misery, and deceived heaven and the people with countless schemes. For decades, they sowed hatred and discord, undermining the very foundation of morality. Excessive taxes, no respite in the mountains. People were forced into the sea to search for pearls, preyed upon by sharks. Others were taken to the mountains to mine gold, only to suffer the dangers of poisonous waters and deep forests. Resources were exploited, birds were captured, and traps were set everywhere. Villages were disturbed, deer were hunted, and everywhere, snares were laid. The destruction extended even to insects, plants, and trees, leaving the people in utter despair. The starving, the widowed, the helpless—these are the true victims of such cruelty. Those in power devoured every resource and enslaved the people, forcing them to build, dig, and labor endlessly. The burden of this labor shattered entire professions. Such wickedness, no account could measure its scale, and such filth, no waters could cleanse it! Could the heavens, or the earth, pardon such acts? Who can bear the suffering inflicted on the people? I, however, raised the flag of righteousness on the Lam Sơn mountains. In the wilderness, I sought refuge and reflected on the enormous injustice done to the people. I swore to defeat the enemy and end their rule. For over a decade, I endured hardships, tasting bitter herbs and lying in thorns, preparing for the right moment. The burden of knowing when the time was right kept me awake in the dark of night. When the call for righteousness was sounded, the enemy was strong, and hope seemed far away. Yet the talents were as rare as morning stars, and the resources were scarce. But with a pure heart to save the nation, I pressed on. As I reflected, I knew: the task of a leader is not easy. The skies tested my resolve, but I overcame it with wisdom. The people, from all corners of the land, rallied under the banner of justice. The soldiers, loyal and determined, fought as one. The strategy was to fight with cunning, using ambushes and overwhelming the enemy. With righteousness as our shield and virtue as our sword, we defeated the savage enemy. In the battle of Bồ Đằng, thunder roared, and in Trà Lân, dust from the shattered bamboo scattered. Our forces grew stronger, and the courage of our soldiers surged. Trần Trí and Sơn Thọ lost their nerve; Lý An and Phương Chính could only hold their breath in fear. With each victory, the enemy retreated. In the city of Tây Kinh, we reclaimed what was ours, and in Đông Đô, we regained our former land. Rivers like Ninh Kiều ran red with blood, and at Tốt Động, the battlefield was littered with the enemy’s remains. Our victory was swift and decisive. Trần Hiệp’s head was paraded on a spear, and Lý Lượng fell in defeat. Even the famed general Vương Thông was overwhelmed. The enemy’s plans failed as their spirits shattered. With every strike, the enemy grew weaker, and their forces scattered like chaff in the wind. Our soldiers fought with unmatched zeal, and our strategy brought the enemy to their knees. We had already prepared for the battle by cutting off the enemy’s supply lines. In the battle of Chi Lăng, Liễu Thăng was decisively defeated. The days passed, and each enemy leader, like Liễu Thăng and Lý Khánh, faced their downfall. The forces of nature, too, seemed to support us as the tides turned in our favor. At the end of it all, we had secured victory through courage, wisdom, and unity. The people were freed from the shackles of tyranny. The land was cleansed, and peace was restored. The great achievements of our ancestors and the heavens above had guided us. Today, our victory shines bright for all to see. The rivers and mountains stand testament to our triumph. The world shall remember our courage and determination. The era of peace and prosperity has begun, and may it last for all eternity.

Côn Sơn Song

(Translation by Đào Duy Anh's group)

Côn Sơn has a stream,
The sound of flowing water is ever-present.
I use it as my zither.
Côn Sơn has stones,
Rained upon, they are covered with thick green moss,
I use them as my mat.
On the mountain there are pines,
Stretching far, a vast expanse of green,
I rest there, carefree.
In the forest there are bamboos,
Thousands of acres of lush green,
I leisurely sing and chant beside them.
Why are you still not returning?
Half a lifetime spent rolling in the dust,
What do the nine mountains and ten peaks matter?
With simple water and rice, I am content,
Haven't you seen Dong Trac’s house filled with treasures?
Or the eight hundred bushels of pepper of Nguyên Tải?
And what about Bá Di and Thúc Tề?
Didn’t the great Dương die of hunger, refusing rice?
The wise and the foolish may not be the same,
Yet all seek to satisfy their desires.
In this world, in a hundred years,
We are like the grass and the trees.
Joy and sorrow, ease and suffering shift like the seasons,
One flourishes, another withers, yet they remain interconnected.
The beauty of a lonely hill, a splendid tower, is but chance,
After death, who can claim honor or disgrace?
If the world still has figures like Sào Do,
Let them listen to my song for guidance.

Source: Đào Duy Anh, Nguyễn Trãi’s Complete Works, Social Science Publishing House, 1976

Côn Sơn is a mountain located in Chí Ngại commune, Chí Linh district, Hải Dương province (Northern Vietnam). On the mountain, there is the Thanh Hư cave, and below it, the Thấu Ngọc bridge, both scenic spots (according to Quảng Dư Chí). During the Trần dynasty, the Zen master Trúc Lâm built a hermitage here, and the Doctor Lý Đạo Tái (also known as Huyền Quang) returned here to meditate after resigning from his position and became the abbot of Ân Tứ temple on the mountain. During the Trần dynasty, the minister of the Department of War, Trần Nguyên Đán, who was Nguyễn Trãi’s maternal grandfather, often composed poetry and drank wine on Côn Sơn after resigning due to his failed efforts to stop Hồ Quý Ly from seizing power. The author inherited the family legacy. Nguyễn Trãi wrote this poem while resting at Côn Sơn near Hun Temple, during his time collecting and organizing the poetry collection Băng Hồ Ngọc Hác compiled by his grandfather Trần Nguyên Đán.

Ba tiêu (the banana tree)

The fresh spring breeze awakens anew,
With an unusual cluster, the night it holds through.
A letter of love sealed tight in the wind,
Where it blows, it struggles to begin..

The last two lines of this poem may have been inspired by the poem Vị triển ba tiêu (未展芭蕉) by Tiền Hử (錢珝) of the Tang Dynasty (China).
This poem is included as additional reading in the Vietnamese 10th-grade literature textbook during the 1990-2006 period.
Source: Nguyễn Trãi Complete Works, Social Sciences Publishing House, 1976