Mǎ Yān Hú Qí
The Horse: why do the Northern Tribes use it on their banner?

Zhèn Zhèng Yŭn Zāng
The shock of the truth permits the good.

Dào Mì Yì Mián
The Path (Dao) is secret and dense but its meaning is soft and continuous.

Xuán Tú Dòng Huán
The Profound Drawing (Xuan Tu) shows the Cavity (Dong),
and the Three Pillars Before the Stone Tablet (Huan).

Zhào Jì Kŏng Yōu
The Omen (Zhao) is silent and the Hole (Kong) is deep and hidden.

Yí Miǎo Miǎo Wén
Foreign Tribes (Yi), even though far away and unworthy,
still hear the News (Wen).

Zhǐ Zài Wén Yīng
The meaning of the writing is right and proper.

Pían Guàn Gǎn Fān
In parallel linked together,
the feelings are affected time and time again.

Liú Qí Wēn Jìng
Drifting around in the Qi River (in Henan),
[staying] Warm and Calm.

Kōng Guān Wú Tà
The empty Sky, though seen as a [great] spectacle,
is without confusion.

Nán Fāng Bā Tiān
The Southern Eight Heavens.