The phrase "we grasp our battle-spears, we don our hide breast-plates, the axles of our chariots

touch, our short swords meet, standards obscure the sun, the foe rolls up like clouds, and
arrows fall thick: the warriors press forward.
-It signifies a battle scene. They are preparing for a battle that will happen soon. The
combatants and warriors gather their weapons and put on armor, getting ready to face the
enemy for a final war.

The phrase "they menace our ranks, they break our line, the left-hand trace-horse is dead, the
one on the right is smitten, the fallen horses block our wheels, they impede the yoke-horses!"
-It describes how chaotic and devasting the battle is. It shows how the battle is going on.
The enemy forces broke to the front line and injured their horses to block the chariots and
prevented the yoke horses from pulling them.

The phrase "They grasp their jade drum-sticks: they beat the sounding drums. Heaven
decrees their fall: the dread Powers are angry. The warriors are all dead: they lie on the
moor-field. They issued but shall not enter: they went but shall not return"

-It emphasizes the finality of death, and no one can escape it.

The phrase "the plains are flat and wide: the way home is long. Their swords lie beside
them: their black bows, in their hand. Though their limbs were torn, their hearts could not
be repressed. They were more than brave: they were inspired with the spirit of “Wu.”

-It describes how gloomy and vivid the outcome of the battle was. Despite their injuries,
their hearts remained strong, and still have courage and perseverance.

The phrase "Steadfast to the end, they could not be daunted. Their bodies were stricken,
but their souls have taken Immortality. Captains among the ghosts, heroes among the
dead.