The original name of the mountain was Băng Sơn. During the Trần Dynasty, Trương Hán Siêu visited and renamed it Dục Thuý Sơn (the mountain of azure waters); today, it is known as Non Nước Mountain, located in Ninh Bình Town. Dục Thuý Sơn is a famous scenic spot that many scholars and poets have visited and written poems to praise its beauty. The mountain is home to a beautiful pagoda and tower; it's also near the sea with the Vân River winding around it. The Vân River and Thuý Mountain create a picturesque, charming scene. The "Đại Nam nhất thống chí" records: "At the foot of the mountain (Dục Thuý), there is a cave with a temple dedicated to the Tam Phủ (Three Gods). On the mountain slope, there's a stone near the river with three characters 'Hám Giao Đình' carved into it. To the southwest of the mountain, there's a temple dedicated to Sơn Tinh and Thuỷ Tinh, and at the peak, there's a pagoda…" The tides have changed, and the old pagoda and tower have crumbled, with the sea retreating several kilometers away. Trương Hán Siêu, Nguyễn Trãi, Cao Bá Quát, and Tản Đà all wrote poems about Dục Thuý Sơn – Non Nước Mountain. This poem is taken from Nguyễn Trãi's "Ức Trai thi tập". The poem speaks of the celestial beauty of Dục Thuý Mountain and the melancholic reflections of the poet.
In "Ức Trai thi tập" and "Quốc âm thi tập", it's clear that Nguyễn Trãi visited many places. At times, he "sailed his poetic boat across Bạch Đằng" and at other times, he explored Long Đại Mountain, entranced by caves, ponds, and lakes:
"The clam carries the mountain into the cave, The whale swims through the sea and turns it into a pond. (Long Đại Mountain)"
At times, he journeyed to Hoa Yên Pagoda atop the green Yên Tử Mountain, cleansing his soul amidst bamboo forests and caves:
"A thousand rows of precious jade gates, Covered with cascading pearl curtains. (On Hoa Yên Pagoda, Yên Tử Mountain)"
During the "Ngô" period, Nguyễn Trãi traveled with a sword across the land, but later, when the country was at peace, he brought his wine and poetry to enjoy the magnificent landscapes. Dục Thuý Sơn left a lasting impression on the poet.
1. The Celestial Realm in the Mortal World
The first six lines of the poem create a breathtaking landscape of Dục Thuý Mountain, painted with masterful brushstrokes. The poet had visited the mountain several times, and although the view was familiar, he was still amazed by the "immortal mountain" before him. The inspiration of "Bồng Lai lost" is akin to the fairy tales of Từ Thức:
"There is an immortal mountain at the sea gate, I've passed it many times."
The reader is invited to join the poet in a dreamlike journey into the celestial realm. The scenery is both illusory and real, with the ethereal beauty of the scene heightening the poetic spirit. The first line speaks of an "immortal mountain" by the sea gate, while the fourth line elaborates that Dục Thuý Mountain "is like an immortal landscape that fell to the mortal world" (immortal scenery descending to the mundane world). The two images of "immortal mountain" and "immortal scenery" complement each other, expanding and deepening the poem's theme to praise Dục Thuý Mountain as a rare and beautiful natural wonder.
From intuition to imagination, the poet describes the mountain like a giant lotus blossom floating on water. The metaphor of the "Lotus flower above the water" is stunning and poetic. The lotus represents purity and grace, a revered symbol in Buddhism. Many Buddha statues sit atop lotus pedestals (e.g., the One Pillar Pagoda). The lotus motif is common in sculpture and architecture in Vietnam's temples and Buddha statues. The poet compares Dục Thuý Mountain to a lotus flower, floating on water, creating a vivid, symbolic image. The words "floating" and "descending" stand in contrast to each other, capturing the beauty and serenity of the landscape, as well as the rising and falling emotions of the observer:
"The lotus floats above the water, The immortal scene descends to the mortal world."
To maintain the rhyme scheme, Khương Hữu Dụng inverted the second and third lines, making the poem less vibrant and disrupting the internal structure of the verse:
"The celestial scene falls to the mortal world, The lotus blooms on the surface of the water."
Scholar Đào Duy Anh translated this as: "The lotus drifts on the water, The immortal mountain rises above the mundane world."
The poem also features two beautiful metaphorical images: the shadow of the tower on the mountain is compared to a jade hairpin, while the shimmering light on the water is likened to a mirror reflecting a jade-colored hair. These images evoke a sense of beauty and celestial elegance, as if the scene were created by divine beings.
"The tower’s shadow is like a jade hairpin, The light on the river mirrors the emerald hair."
Dục Thuý Mountain is surrounded by the winding Vân River. Six hundred years ago, the mountain stood at the sea gate. The mountain had a pagoda and tower. Human hands have helped enhance the beauty of the landscape. Trương Hán Siêu once praised: "In the clear stream, the tower's reflection is visible" (Dục Thuý Sơn Stone Inscription); "The tower has four tiers, and at night it radiates brilliant light, visible from afar… tall and towering, touching the blue sky, adding grandeur to the landscape" (Dục Thuý Sơn Linh Tế Tower Inscription). Continuing the emotional legacy of the ancients, Nguyễn Trãi describes Dục Thuý Mountain with poetic artistry, creating a unique and captivating view, full of delicate emotions and sensibilities.
Indeed, Nguyễn Trãi has created a series of metaphors with vivid lines, colors, and light to celebrate the transcendent beauty of Dục Thuý Mountain. The poet has given this majestic mountain a heartfelt love through his skillful and poetic vision.
2. Remembering Trương Thiếu Bảo
Visitors are moved by the scenery, and the final couplet expresses a sense of melancholy nostalgia. Many of Nguyễn Trãi's poems share a similar emotional structure, with the poet directly expressing his feelings:
"I wish to strum the zither once, The people are prosperous, the boats float."
(From 'Bảo kính cảnh giới' – 43)
"Looking back, it's all gone, The stream flows and I feel a deep sorrow."
(From 'Bạch Đằng River Gate')
Nearly a century after visiting Dục Thuý Mountain, when the people of the past had long passed, the poet reads the Linh Tế Tower inscription and is moved by the faded characters covered in moss. Time has passed, and the world has changed. Our country has undergone many historical transformations, dynasties rising and falling. Nguyễn Trãi reflects on the contributions of those who came before him:
"I remember Trương Thiếu Bảo, The inscription covered in moss."
Trương Hán Siêu, a distinguished and virtuous scholar and poet of the Trần Dynasty, is closely associated with Dục Thuý Mountain and has written many famous inscriptions. He was honored at the Văn Miếu in Thăng Long. The poet refers to him by his prestigious title, Thiếu Bảo, as a mark of respect. Truly, standing before the mountain and tower, the poet is filled with reverence for the past. The image of the moss-covered inscription symbolizes the poet’s deep connection to the past and the feeling of gratitude for those who came before.
3. The Legacy of a Talented Pen
"Dục Thuý Sơn" is a remarkable poem that blends scenery with emotions. The poem, in its seven-character verse form, uses beautiful imagery and expresses a sense of the divine. In the poem, four metaphors work together, enhancing each other to create a striking image of beauty. Nguyễn Trãi’s poetic talent is evident in his subtle and sensitive descriptions of nature, and his unique ability to convey his emotions.
"Dục Thuý Sơn" reflects a great talent and the noble character of Đại Việt in the 15th century. Nguyễn Trãi left many poems full of love for nature and his homeland. In reading this poem, we recognize Nguyễn Trãi as the "immortal sitting in the jade tower" as his friends described him. He visited Dục Thuý Mountain and remembered Trương Hán Siêu, and we, reading his poem, remember the hero who helped Lê Lợi "banish the Ngô" and wrote the "Bình Ngô đại cáo". Poetry, for Nguyễn Trãi, carries the essence of humanity and the world. The four words "Vũ trụ di lai" are carved in large, beautiful characters on a stone covered in green moss atop Dục Thuý Mountain, a testament to Trương Hán Siêu’s legacy. Anyone who visits the mountain will surely feel a sense of nostalgia when they see the "moss-covered inscription"…
IllustrationClassical literature, a bygone era, was a time when the souls of literature and the nation's affairs resonated harmoniously through the boundless talent and emotions of great sages. We can still hear the echoes of the past: 'The dragon hidden in Lam Son waiting for the right moment, In hand, the affairs of the world are clear to the fullest, Turning life and the sky bright, bringing forth a great king, Meeting a mighty friend, stirring the winds of talent. The thousand-year-old grudge of the country is now cleansed, The golden box is eternal, it will never fade, The country is renewed from here, let's count how many heroes there are.' These words of the future generations reflect the noble ideals of a saint – Nguyễn Trãi. He is likened to a bright star shining brilliantly on the sky of art, not only demonstrating deep knowledge on every page but, more importantly, showcasing a spirit and love for the nature of Vietnam that made his name famous. Having experienced much and savoring all the flavors of the world, within him lies a soul deeply in love with nature. His writing style is poetic and romantic, without being overly delicate. Each beautiful scene that Nguyễn Trãi painted in his poetry seems adorned in a marvelous, delicate gown, while still retaining its natural essence. Surely, everyone has heard of Dục Thuý Mountain, a famous scenic spot in Ninh Bình, rich in cultural essence. Through Nguyễn Trãi’s poetry, especially in 'Dục Thuý Sơn,' readers are transported into a rare celestial realm, feeling the nostalgia and inspiration of this great soul. Dục Thuý Mountain, one of the most famous landscapes in Ninh Bình, was written about in Nguyễn Trãi’s famous 'Ức Trai Thi Tập' in the charming name 'Dục Thuý Sơn.' Just by hearing the name, one can sense the poetic and picturesque qualities of this land, even without having visited it. This mountain was originally named Sơn Thuý, but later became the intimate companion of Trương Hán Siêu, who renamed it Dục Thuý, a name filled with poetic purity, a place surrounded by a green, serene nature that could be mistaken for a heavenly realm. For a long time, Dục Thuý has been a source of inspiration for many sages and poets. But even when revisiting this land, the distinct mark of Nguyễn Trãi's poetry shines through in its unique style, born from the deepest emotions of the poet. Trương Hán Siêu also wrote about Dục Thuý, but in a different style, and Lê Thánh Tông wrote a poem titled 'Đề núi Dục Thuý.' However, Nguyễn Trãi’s approach still stands out because of his unique sources of inspiration: nature and nostalgia. His poem follows the structure of Introduction – Description – Discussion – Conclusion, in the classic Five-character Eight-line style, typical of the Tang dynasty poetry. Let’s begin with his inspiration from nature in the poem. We can feel his deep love and longing for this ethereal mountain landscape. In his poem 'Vọng Doanh,' he wrote: 'Dục Thuý vũ tình phong tự ngọc.' The poet describes the mountain with such natural beauty, painting a picture of a peaceful, dreamlike scenery that captivates the reader. The phrase 'Tiên san' (immortal mountain) symbolizes something extraordinary and otherworldly, a perfect gift from the celestial world, blending the beauty of the natural world with the celestial realm. The mountain stands tall like a figure in a heavenly paradise, creating a romantic, picturesque harmony between land and sky. Even though Nguyễn Trãi had visited this place many times, the 'Hữu tiên san' (immortal mountain) always stirred his soul, reminding him of the ethereal beauty it possessed. In the second section of his poem, Nguyễn Trãi shifts to describing the mountain more intimately, comparing it to a lotus flower floating on the water, symbolizing purity and transcendence. The lotus flower, an emblem of Buddhist spirituality, represents purity and beauty. This image of the lotus floating above the waters enhances the mountain’s divine and immaculate quality, blending the earthly and the heavenly into a harmonious picture. The poet’s choice of this image is to highlight the serene, otherworldly beauty of Dục Thuý, connecting it to the ethereal realm. His romantic and dreamy description brings the readers closer to this peaceful, spiritual landscape. The third section of the poem moves to the reflection of the tower on the mountain, and here Nguyễn Trãi blends the image of the tower with the beauty of nature, presenting the scene in a more intimate and artistic light. The 'Bóng tháp' (tower’s shadow) reflected in the water like a jade hairpin and the reflection of the mountain shimmering on the surface of the water give the scene an added grace, making the tower seem less cold and more intertwined with nature’s poetry. In these two lines, Nguyễn Trãi does not just describe a grand, magnificent tower but also incorporates a romantic and poetic image, showing the unique style that differentiates him from earlier poets like Trương Hán Siêu. Nguyễn Trãi's depiction of the tower is not only about its physical form but also its connection with the natural landscape. The image of the tower becomes a symbol of eternal beauty, of a landscape that is forever alive with the essence of nature. In the final lines of the poem, Nguyễn Trãi shifts focus from the grandeur of nature to a moment of melancholy, remembering the past and his feelings for the great Trương Hán Siêu. The words 'Hữu hoài Trương Thiếu Bảo' convey a sense of nostalgia and loss, evoking a bittersweet emotion as the poet reflects on the passing of time and the impermanence of life. This moment of reflection brings a poignant, personal touch to the poem, underscoring the timeless nature of Nguyễn Trãi’s sentiments and the universal theme of human mortality. The final lines highlight Nguyễn Trãi’s deep humanistic values, reminding us that while nature may endure, human life is fleeting. Nguyễn Trãi’s poem 'Dục Thuý Sơn' is not just a beautiful description of a landscape; it is an exploration of nature’s power to inspire and its connection with human emotions. The poem intertwines romantic beauty with reflections on time, loss, and the human spirit, making it a timeless work that continues to resonate deeply with readers.
Illustrative ImageNguyễn Trãi is a renowned figure in Vietnamese literature, known for his profound works about the scenic beauty and the vivid depiction of nature. In his poem 'Dục Thúy Sơn,' he speaks of the majestic Dục Thúy mountain, which not only evokes deep emotions about the scenery but also reflects Nguyễn Trãi's love for nature and his homeland. His success lies in using nature as a mirror for his own emotions, filled with intertwining feelings that resonate deeply with readers, both in his time and today. The poet's sorrow for his country is evident as he contemplates the state of his nation, his thoughts shaped by the beautiful yet melancholic landscape surrounding him. These vivid images of nature intertwined with his sadness create a profound sense of longing and a deep connection with the national spirit. The carved stone tablets symbolizing the emotional depth of the poet and his people leave an indelible mark, sharing a deep reflection of Nguyễn Trãi's feelings toward the country and its people.
Even amidst the grandeur of the natural world, Nguyễn Trãi’s soul remains deeply intertwined with his concern for his country, writing the poem 'Dục Thúy Sơn' as a medium for expressing his emotions and sharing his timeless reflections with readers.
Illustrative Image
“Dục Thúy Sơn” is a poem that exquisitely describes nature with deep emotions. This eight-line poem written in Classical Chinese presents a beautiful, almost ethereal depiction of the landscape. In the analysis, the poet uses four metaphors that complement each other, enhancing the imagery to express a delicate, dreamy feeling. Nguyễn Trãi, in his appreciation of nature’s beauty—mountains, rivers—uses a fine and sensitive pen to evoke emotions. The poem reflects a great talent and noble character, emblematic of the cultural richness of 15th-century Đại Việt. Nguyễn Trãi’s numerous poems reveal his profound love for nature and the country. Reading this, one might think of Nguyễn Trãi as the ‘immortal sage in the jade tower,’ as his friend once described him. He visits Dục Thúy Mountain and remembers Trương Hán Siêu; we, in turn, recall the hero who helped Lê Lợi 'defeat the Ngô' and penned the “Bình Ngô Đại Cáo.” The inscription 'Vũ Trụ Di Lai' stands, bold and beautiful, on a stone covered in green moss on the summit of Dục Thúy Mountain, a testament to Trương Hán Siêu’s legacy. Those who visit the mountain will surely be moved by the 'moss-covered inscription.' In “Dục Thúy Sơn,” Nguyễn Trãi expresses his passion for his country’s beautiful landscape, praising a mountain that appears like a fairyland. He vividly captures the features and colors of the scene, creating a grand yet surreal image of Dục Thúy. Nguyễn Trãi’s poetic skill blends realism with creativity, crafting striking metaphors and comparisons that evoke a mystical atmosphere, drawing readers into a realm that is both real and otherworldly. His portrayal of Dục Thúy is majestic, poetic, and otherworldly, like a lotus in Buddhist imagery, yet lush and vivid, like the graceful figure of a young woman. Reading Nguyễn Trãi’s verses, we see a poet whose soul merges with the natural beauty of his homeland, intoxicated by the breathtaking scenery of his country.
Illustration Image
The love for nature is a recurring source of inspiration in Nguyễn Trãi's works. Behind every landscape, the poet skillfully conveys deep reflections on life and the world. This is clearly seen in his poem 'Dục Thúy Sơn.' Written in Classical Chinese and following the five-character regulated verse form, the poem has left a lasting impression on readers with its picturesque, lyrical scenery.
First, Nguyễn Trãi cleverly refers to the location of Dục Thúy Mountain:
"Hải khẩu hữu tiên san"
("At the sea’s mouth, there stands a fairy mountain")
The phrase "tiên san" evokes the image of a fairy mountain near the sea's entrance, though the poet had visited many times, the place still seemed like a fairyland. This beauty is created by both majestic and poetic images.
Gazing upon the landscape, one cannot help but be enchanted:
"Liên hoa phù thủy thượng;
Tiên cảnh trụy trần gian."
Through observation, the poet imagines the mountain resembling a pure lotus blooming in the clear water. The metaphor of "liên hoa phù thủy thượng" creates an interesting and fresh comparison. The lotus symbolizes simplicity and purity. By likening the mountain to a lotus, Nguyễn Trãi emphasizes its pristine beauty. In the next verse, the poet reaffirms the magical, otherworldly beauty of Dục Thúy Mountain. The word 'tiên' is used again to highlight its ethereal, fairy-like nature. Standing before this scene, one might think they have entered a 'realm of immortals fallen to the earthly world.'
The natural landscape in the first four lines of the poem is depicted from a distant perspective, giving it an aura of the divine—mystical and wondrous.
In the following lines, the scene of Dục Thúy Mountain becomes more vivid and realistic:
"Tháp ảnh trâm thanh ngọc;
Ba quang kính thúy hoàn."
In 'Dục Thúy Sơn,' Trương Hán Siêu once wrote, 'Trung lưu quang tháp ảnh' ("The tower's shadow reflects on the river"), but Nguyễn Trãi adds a creative twist. He compares the tower's reflection on the water to a young woman's hairpin made of jade. This hairpin, with its green hue, evokes the image of the mountain's reflection on the shimmering waters. The poet uses nature to describe the beauty of a woman, a common practice in classical poetry. In 'Dục Thúy Sơn,' Nguyễn Trãi uses this metaphor to depict the mountain’s silhouette as a graceful young woman, an innovative and modern comparison. The vivid imagery continues with the verse 'Ba quang kính thúy hoàn,' where the light on the water seems to illuminate the jade-like hairpin. Thus, the poet doesn’t just see nature with his eyes but feels it with his heart, which gives the landscape a soulful presence.
As in many of his works, the final two lines reflect the poet’s thoughts and reflections:
"Hữu hoài Trương Thiếu bảo;
Bi khắc tiển hoa ban."
While admiring the mountain, Nguyễn Trãi remembers his old friend, Trương Thiếu Bảo. As he gazes at the moss-covered stone inscribed with ancient words, the poet is filled with nostalgia for the renowned scholar of the Trần Dynasty, who had been honored by many kings. The slow rhythm and concise language capture a deep sense of longing. Despite the passing of time and changing circumstances, the inscriptions on the stone remain timeless. Through these two lines, we see Nguyễn Trãi’s deep sensitivity, his reverence for history, and his 'remembering the source of the water' ethos.
With beautiful imagery, harmonious rhythm, and literary techniques like metaphor 'Tháp ảnh trâm thanh ngọc;' and 'Ba quang kính thúy hoàn,' Nguyễn Trãi has painted a stunning picture of Dục Thúy Mountain, while subtly expressing thoughts on humanity, history, and the nation.
'Dục Thúy Sơn' is a magnificent work by Nguyễn Trãi, a poet deeply in love with nature and his homeland. The poem leaves an unforgettable image of Dục Thúy Mountain, both grand and poetic, and conveys the noble spirit of 'remembering the source' towards those who came before.
Illustrative ImageNguyen Trai wrote: “A bag of poetry contains all the landscapes of the country.” Indeed, Uc Trai traveled widely, visiting many famous landmarks. With a passionate love for nature, a broad and sensitive poetic soul, wherever Nguyen Trai went, he composed poetry inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Vietnam. Modern readers can find a rich and diverse collection of Vietnam’s natural scenery through his Chinese-language poetry collection, Uc Trai Thi Tap, including the mountains of Con Son, Yen Tu, the harbor of Van Don, and the temples of Tien Du, Dong Son, Long Dai, and Lam Son. Particularly, Nguyen Trai wrote extensively about locations in Ninh Binh, creating a scenic cluster of the “dry Ha Long Bay,” such as Duc Thuy Mountain, the Thần Phù estuary, and the town of Vinh Doanh.
Among these landmarks, Duc Thuy Mountain stands out. Originally called Son Thuy, the name Duc Thuy was given by Truong Han Xieu. Some have explained that the mountain resembles a bird taking a bath by the river, which led to the name Duc Thuy, meaning the bird bathing (Duc: bathing, Thuy: the bird). It is unclear whether Truong Han Xieu chose this name for that reason or simply because the mountain resembled a scene of crystal-clear waters. Regardless, the name Duc Thuy Mountain is poetic and beautiful, and even those who have never visited can understand its scenic beauty through its name.
For a long time, Duc Thuy Mountain has been an inspiring subject in poetry. Many famous poets such as Truong Han Xieu, Pham Su Manh, Le Thanh Tong, and Tan Da have written about this place, but Nguyen Trai’s poems about Duc Thuy Mountain remain distinct.
Nguyen Trai’s poetry on Duc Thuy Mountain is inspired by two sources: a love of nature and a sense of nostalgia. In both, readers can feel the unique characteristics of Uc Trai’s work.
In his love for nature and the beauty of the country, the poet was drawn to Duc Thuy Mountain. However, for Uc Trai, it seems that he had a special connection to the mountain, as he often visited it:
"In past years, I have come here many times."
It is unclear how many times Nguyen Trai visited Duc Thuy Mountain in his lifetime, but in his Chinese poetry, he once mentioned:
"The rain at Duc Thuy washes the mountain like jade."
The poet had a profound impression of the mountain, calling it “the immortal mountain,” “the fairy-like scene.” In one short poem, he uses the word ‘fairy’ twice to describe the mountain and its scenery. Although poetry of the Tang Dynasty discouraged repeating words, Nguyen Trai broke this rule to emphasize the ethereal beauty of Duc Thuy Mountain. In the Vietnamese cultural context, the word ‘fairy’ often evokes the sense of something miraculous, extraordinary, or otherworldly, symbolizing bliss, beauty, and transcendence. The use of ‘fairy mountain’ and ‘fairy-like scenery’ powerfully conveys the dreamlike, enchanted quality of Duc Thuy Mountain. For those without religious sensibilities, the beauty of the landscape feels almost like entering a dream or a fairy realm. The tangible world is emphasized by the illusionary, magical experience.
"Like a fairy scene descending to the mortal world."
Duc Thuy Mountain is a divine creation, not of the mortal world, but from the realm of the fairies, dropped into this world by accident, which only adds to its otherworldly beauty.
The poet uses the image of a lotus flower to describe the beauty of Duc Thuy Mountain. While the inspiration is not religious, the image of the lotus still carries the sacred, transcendent connotations of Buddhism:
"The lotus flower floats above the water."
The poet skillfully compares the mountain rising from the river to a lotus floating on the water. Aesthetically, the lotus is a symbol of purity, perfectly aligning with the fairy-like mountain scene.
In the first four lines of the poem, the poet focuses on the divine, surreal beauty of Duc Thuy Mountain. However, the inspiration abruptly shifts when the poet discovers another beauty that is no less magnificent, but perhaps more captivating:
"The pagoda’s shadow is like a jade hairpin."
The reflected light on the waves resembles a mirror reflecting the blue hair of a young woman.
This description contrasts with the image of the pagoda in Truong Han Xieu’s poem. The poet of the Tran Dynasty noted the grandeur of the pagoda and its impressive height, but his work is more about appreciating the monumental beauty of the structure rather than exploring its deeper emotional connection with the natural world. In contrast, Nguyen Trai’s depiction of the pagoda reflects a highly imaginative and humanized approach. The image of the pagoda’s shadow on the river becomes like a jade hairpin adorning the hair of a young girl. This unexpected yet perfectly logical comparison adds a touch of humanity to the scene, evoking feelings of tenderness, love, and empathy.
Nguyen Trai’s creative perspective imbues the landscape with emotion. His poetry elevates nature into an experience of connection, blending human feelings with the natural world.
The shift in mood is sharp and unexpected as the poet’s inspiration takes a more reflective turn:
"I remember Mr. Truong, who is no longer here. The stone stele with his inscription is now covered in moss."
The poet’s nostalgia for Truong Han Xieu is palpable, as he laments the fading presence of the inscription and the passage of time. His mood echoes Truong Han Xieu’s feelings of loss as he also observed the wear of time on the stele in his own poem.
Nguyen Trai’s melancholy and reflective tone are intertwined with a profound humanist philosophy. His nostalgic feelings are not merely about the past, but also about the inevitable passage of time, where human lives are fleeting while nature endures.
"Time flows like an endless river. Heroes carry regret like fallen leaves."
In the poem, Nguyen Trai captures this contrast between the impermanence of human existence and the eternity of nature. Duc Thuy Mountain remains, yet the inscription grows worn, and the poet laments that all things must fade. However, through this profound reflection, Nguyen Trai creates a deep emotional connection between the human condition and the enduring beauty of the natural world.
The poem Dục Thuý Sơn is a masterpiece that offers rich aesthetic emotions, revealing the beauty of nature, the artistry of poetic imagery, and especially the depth of Nguyen Trai’s soul—his love for nature, his country, and his profound humanist spirit.
Illustration
Nguyễn Trãi is a renowned author of Vietnam, known for his numerous famous works, with the poem *Dục Thúy Sơn* being particularly notable. This poem evokes deep emotions in readers. It describes the majestic natural landscapes, possibly serving as an endless source of inspiration for the poet. The first two lines form a beautiful depiction of nature:
The seaside is adorned with immortal mountains,
Visited many times before.
In the opening, the poet introduces a grand, majestic natural scene—*the seaside with immortal mountains*, illustrating the harmony between nature and the human soul. This tranquil landscape, full of moving emotions, inspires a sense of awe. The author paints a vivid picture of the view with towering peaks and white clouds in the high sky:
The towers glisten like jade,
Mirroring the black tresses of young maidens.
Through these beautiful landscapes and high towers, the poet brings forth an image of the radiant beauty reflected in the hair of young girls. The scene is picturesque, a clear reflection of the pristine beauty of *Dục Thúy Sơn*, a place that fills the heart with pride for its captivating nature. The poem reflects the poet's deep connection to this place, expressing an emotional resonance that touches the reader deeply, showing how beauty and emotion blend in harmony.
These lines of the poem, along with the natural surroundings, unveil an underlying tenderness and depth, like an unopened love letter, whose words are waiting for the wind to gently stir them open, revealing the poet's heartfelt musings about the beauty of nature and the state of the nation.
In *Dục Thúy Sơn*, beauty exists not only in the scenery but also in the emotional world of the poet, with deep reflections about the state of the country. Although the place is breathtakingly beautiful, the poet’s mood is mixed with melancholy—“a troubled heart cannot enjoy the scenery fully.” The personal feelings of the poet intertwine with the natural world, creating an atmosphere of sorrow and introspection, highlighting a complex view of nature's beauty. This poem reveals how natural beauty and personal sentiment can fuse into a single emotional expression, which resonates deeply in the hearts of readers. Nguyễn Trãi’s poetic language is rich in thought and emotion, evoking a deep connection to the land and its history.
Through his work, Nguyễn Trãi’s powerful expression of emotions makes the beauty of *Dục Thúy Sơn* unforgettable, offering a lens into his mind and spirit through nature’s backdrop. The poem is an intricate reflection of the poet’s thoughts on his era, and the landscapes are more than just scenes—they are living expressions of his soul.
Illustration
Buzz
