The most famous saying of Du Fu is "If you die before you leave the army, it will make the hero burst into tears."

It comes from Du Fu's poem "The Prime Minister of Shu".

Original text

Where can I find the Prime Minister’s ancestral hall? There are many people outside Jinguan City.

The green grass reflects the spring color on the steps, and the oriole sounds good in the sky through the leaves.

Three visits to trouble the world, two dynasties to open the hearts of old ministers.

He died before leaving the army, which made the hero burst into tears.

Translation

Where can I find the ancestral hall of Prime Minister Zhuge? Outside Jinguan City, the green cypresses grow lushly.

The green grass reflects the stone steps, creating a spring scene, and the oriole sings beautifully among the dense leaves.

In those days, the first master asked you for advice many times, to assist the first master in founding the country and to support the successor master in continuing his career.

It is a pity that you died of illness in the army when you went out to fight, often making heroes of ancient and modern times shed tears of emotion.

Notes

1. Prime Minister of Shu: Prime Minister of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms, referring to Zhuge Liang (Kong Ming). There is a note under the title of the poem: Zhuge Liang Temple is in the west of Zhaolie Temple.

2. Prime Minister’s Ancestral Hall: The Zhuge Wuhou Ancestral Hall was built in Wuhou District of Chengdu today by Li Xiong of the Jin Dynasty.

3. Jinguancheng: Another name for Chengdu. Bai Sensen: The appearance of lush and dense cypress trees.

Appreciation of "The Prime Minister of Shu"

This poem is divided into two parts. The first four sentences pay homage to the Prime Minister's ancestral hall, feel the reality from the description of the scenery, and reveal the poet's concern for the country and the people; The four-sentence chant praises the prime minister's talents and virtues, remembers the sages from historical recollections, and also contains the poet's many expectations and longing for the fate of the motherland. The whole poem has profound meaning and far-reaching sustenance, creating a deep and sad artistic conception.

In summary, this Qilu poem is very simple, but it has a large capacity and a high degree of summary power. In just fifty-six words, it tells the whole life of Zhuge Liang and presents Zhuge Liang, who has been famous throughout the ages, in front of readers. When future generations of patriots and ordinary readers recited this poem, their admiration for Zhuge Liang arose spontaneously. Especially when I read the two sentences "Died before leaving the army, which makes the hero burst into tears", I couldn't help but shed tears.

Reference for the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia-Shu Xiang