THE WORN BANNERS OF WU Standing still on the shore after a dusty travel Drinking wine at the feet of a wordless stone God Here the sun is dancing on the adamantine waves And the autumn wind blows announcing the cold winter... Now what is left of that ancient and noble splendour ' When kings keep in hands gods' will When they are waving in vain.... The worn banners of Wu The spirit's voices are moving the clouds And the warriors' laments are rising from the ground Here where heroes are dust and human sign is vain Where the glory of the kings is corroded by insects.... Now what is left of that ancient and noble splendour ' When kings keep in hands the will of the gods, When are waving in vain... The worn banners of Wu