北齐

(二首其二)

巧笑知堪敌万几,

倾城最在著戎衣。

晋阳已陷休回顾,

更请君王猎一围。

“巧笑”与“万几”,一女与天下,轻重关系本来一目了然,在高纬眼中,身着戎装的淑妃显然更加迷人。晋州告急,帝妃仍然寻欢作乐,亡国已成定局,无力回天。

The Downfall of Kingdom Qi

(II)

How could a beauty’s smile overshadow state affair?

The king was charmed by his lady in hunting dress.

Of his capital in danger he did not care;

He would go hunting one more round nevertheless.