The SWORDSMAN

十年磨一劍，

霜刃未曾試。

今日把示君，

誰有不平事？

贾岛

For ten years I have been polishing this sword;

Its frosty edge has never been put to the test.

Now I am holding it and showing it to you, sir:

Is there anyone suffering from injustice ?

Jia Dao

(779–843)