Thanks DAI VIET

"Nguyen Anh was nothing but a traitor to Vietnam"

I totally agree. I also awared about oversized signature, Can you you give me a hint how to reduce it to appropriate size. Meanwhile I would take it off.

I read your posts, you are awfully good

It would be great if I can read the Vietnamese version though. 

I'll try to find the Vietnamese version, then copy it here for you to read. It's not very long though.

thx be' Tu'!!

Arrrgghhh...! Ta sẻ trả thù!

VI~NH biet be' Tu' *running away*

Hịch Tướng Sĩ

Ta thường nghe: Kỷ Tín đem mình chết thay, cứu thoát cho Cao Đế; Do Vu chìa lưng chịu giáo, che chở cho Chiêu Vương; Dự Nhượng nuốt than, báo thù cho chủ; Thân Khoái chặt tay để cứu nạn cho nước. Kính Đức một chàng tuổi trẻ, thân phò Thái Tông thoát khỏi vòng vây Thái Sung; Cảo Khanh một bầy tôi xa, miệng mắng Lộc Sơn, không theo mưu kế nghịch tặc. Từ xưa các bậc trung thần nghĩa sĩ, bỏ mình vì nước, đời nào chẳng có ? Ví thử mấy người đó cứ khư khư theo thói nhi nữ thường tình thì cũng đến chết hoài ở xó cửa, sao có thể lưu danh sử sách cùng trời đất muôn đời bất hủ được ?

Các ngươi vốn dòng võ tướng, không hiểu văn nghĩa, nghe những chuyện ấy nửa tin nửa ngờ. Thôi việc đời trước hẵng tạm không bàn. Nay ta lấy chuyện Tống, Nguyên mà nói: Vương Công Kiên là người thế nào ? Nguyễn Văn Lập, tỳ tướng của ông lại là người thế nào ? Vậy mà đem thành Điếu Ngư nhỏ tày cái đấu đương đầu với quân Mông Kha đường đường trăm vạn, khiến cho sinh linh nhà Tống đến nay còn đội ơn sâu ! Cốt Đãi Ngột Lang là người thế nào ? Xích Tu Tư tỳ tướng của ông lại là người thế nào ? Vậy mà xông vào chốn lam chướng xa xôi muôn dặm đánh quỵ quân Nam Chiếu trong khoảng vài tuần, khiến cho quân trưởng người Thát đến nay còn lưu tiếng tốt !

Huống chi, ta cùng các ngươi sinh ra phải thời loạn lạc, lớn lên gặp buổi gian nan. Lén nhìn sứ ngụy đi lại nghênh ngang ngoài đường, uốn tấc lưỡi cú diều mà lăng nhục triều đình; đem tấm thân dê chó mà khinh rẻ tổ phụ. Ỷ mệnh Hốt Tất Liệt mà đòi ngọc lụa để phụng sự lòng tham khôn cùng; khoác hiệu Vân Nam Vương mà hạch bạc vàng, để vét kiệt của kho có hạn. Thật khác nào đem thịt ném cho hổ đói, tránh sao khỏi tai họa về sau.

Ta thường tới bữa quên ăn, nửa đêm vỗ gối, ruột đau như cắt, nước mắt đầm đìa; chỉ giận chưa thể xả thịt, lột da, ăn gan, uống máu quân thù; dẫu cho trăm thân ta phơi ngoài nội cỏ, nghìn thây ta bọc trong da ngựa, cũng nguyện xin làm.

Các ngươi ở lâu dưới trướng, nắm giữ binh quyền, không có mặc thì ta cho áo; không có ăn thì ta cho cơm. Quan thấp thì ta thăng tước; lộc ít thì ta cấp lương. Đi thủy thì ta cho thuyền; đi bộ thì ta cho ngựa. Lâm trận mạc thì cùng nhau sống chết; được nhàn hạ thì cùng nhau vui cười. So với Công Kiên đãi kẻ tỳ tướng, Ngột Lang đãi người phụ tá, nào có kém gì?

Nay các ngươi ngồi nhìn chủ nhục mà không biết lo; thân chịu quốc sỉ mà không biết thẹn. Làm tướng triều đình đứng hầu quân man mà không biết tức; nghe nhạc thái thường đãi yến sứ ngụy mà không biết căm. Có kẻ lấy việc chọi gà làm vui; có kẻ lấy việc cờ bạc làm thích. Có kẻ chăm lo vườn ruộng để cung phụng gia đình; có kẻ quyến luyến vợ con để thỏa lòng vị kỷ. Có kẻ tính đường sản nghiệp mà quên việc nước; có kẻ ham trò săn bắn mà trễ việc quân. Có kẻ thích rượu ngon; có kẻ mê giọng nhảm. Nếu bất chợt có giặc Mông Thát tràn sang thì cựa gà trống không đủ đâm thủng áo giáp của giặc; mẹo cờ bạc không đủ thi hành mưu lược nhà binh. Vườn ruộng nhiều không chuộc nổi tấm thân ngàn vàng; vợ con bận không ích gì cho việc quân quốc. Tiền của dẫu lắm không mua được đầu giặc; chó săn tuy hay không đuổi được quân thù. Chén rượu ngọt ngon không làm giặc say chết; giọng hát réo rắt không làm giặc điếc tai. Lúc bấy giờ chúa tôi nhà ta đều bị bắt, đau xót biết chừng nào ! Chẳng những thái ấp của ta không còn mà bổng lộc các ngươi cũng thuộc về tay kẻ khác; chẳng những gia quyến của ta bị đuổi mà vợ con các ngươi cũng bị kẻ khác bắt đi; chẳng những xã tắc tổ tông ta bị kẻ khác giày xéo mà phần mộ cha ông các ngươi cũng bị kẻ khác bới đào; chẳng những thân ta kiếp này chịu nhục đến trăm năm sau tiếng nhơ khôn rửa, tên xấu còn lưu, mà gia thanh các ngươi cũng không khỏi mang danh là tướng bại trận. Lúc bấy giờ, dẫu các ngươi muốn vui chơi thỏa thích, phỏng có được chăng ?

Nay ta bảo thật các ngươi: nên lấy việc "đặt mồi lửa dưới đống củi nỏ" làm nguy; nên lấy điều "kiềng canh nóng mà thổi rau nguội" làm sợ. Phải huấn luyện quân sĩ, tập dượt cung tên, khiến cho ai nấy đều giỏi như Bàng Mông, mọi người đều tài như Hậu Nghệ, có thể bêu đầu Hốt Tất Liệt dưới cửa khuyết, làm rữa thịt Vân Nam Vương ở Cảo Nhaị Như thế chẳng những thái ấp của ta mãi mãi vững bền mà bổng lộc các ngươi cũng suốt đời tận hưởng; chẳng những gia thuộc ta được ấm êm giường nệm, mà vợ con các ngươi cũng trăm tuổi sum vầy; chẳng những tông miếu ta được hương khói nghìn thu mà tổ tiên các ngươi cũng được bốn mùa thờ cúng; chẳng những thân ta kiếp này thỏa chí, mà đến các ngươi, trăm đời sau còn để tiếng thơm; chẳng những thụy hiệu ta không hề mai một, mà tên họ các ngươi cũng sử sách lưu truyền. Lúc bấy giờ, dẫu các ngươi không muốn vui chơi, phỏng có được không ?

Nay ta chọn lọc binh pháp các nhà hợp thành một tuyển, gọi là Binh Thư Yếu Lược. Nếu các ngươi biết chuyên tập sách này, theo lời ta dạy bảo, thì trọn đời là thần tử; nhược bằng khinh bỏ sách này, trái lời ta dạy bảo thì trọn đời là nghịch thù.

Vì sao vậy ? Giặc Mông Thát với ta là kẻ thù không đội trời chung, mà các ngươi cứ điềm nhiên không muốn rửa nhục, không lo trừ hung, lại không dạy quân sĩ, chẳng khác nào quay mũi giáo mà xin đầu hàng, giơ tay không mà chịu thua giặc. Nếu vậy, rồi đây, sau khi dẹp yên nghịch tặc, để thẹn muôn đời, há còn mặt mũi nào đứng trong cõi trời che đất chở này nữa ?

Cho nên ta viết bài hịch này để các ngươi hiểu rõ bụng ta.

TRAN HUNG DAO'S PROCLAMATION TO HIS OFFICERS

Translated and adapted by George F. Schultz

I have often read the story of Ky Tin who replaced the Emperor Cao to save him from death, of Do Vu who took a blow in his back to spare King Chieu, of Du Nhuong who swallowed burning charcoal to avenge his leader, of Than Khoai who cut off an arm to save his country, of young Kinh Duc who rescued the Emperor Thai Tong besieged by The Sung, and of Cao Khanh, a subject living far from the Court, who insulted the rebel Loc Son to his face. Every century has produced heroes who have sacrificed their lives for their country. If they had remained at home to die by the fire, would their names have been inscribed on bamboo and silk to live eternally in Heaven and on the Earth?

But as descendants of warrior families, you are not well-versed in letters; on hearing about these deeds of the past, you may have some doubts. Let us speak of them no more. I shall tell you instead of several more recent events that have taken place during the years of the Tong and Nguyen dynasties.

Who was Vuong Cong Kien? And who was his lieutenant Nguyen Van Lap? They were the ones who defended the great citadel of Dieu Ngu against Mong Kha's immense army; Therefore, the Tong people will be eternally grateful to them.

Who was Cot-Ngai Ngot-Lang? And who was his lieutenant Xich Tu Tu? They were the ones who drove deep into an unhealthful country in order to put down the Nam-Chieu bandits and they did it within the space of a few weeks; therefore, their names have remained rooted in the minds of the Mongol military chieftains.

You and I were born in a period of troubles and have grown up at a time when the Fatherland is in danger. We have seen the enemy ambassadors haughtily traveling over our roads and wagging their owlish tongues to insult the Court. Despicable as dogs and goats, they boldly humiliate our high officials. Supported by the Mongol emperor, they incessantly demand the payment of pearls, silks, gold and silver. Our wealth is limited but their cupidity is infinite. To yield to their exactions would be to feed their insatiable appetites and would set a dangerous precedent for the future.

In the face of these dangers to the Fatherland, I fail to eat during the day and to sleep at night. Tears roll down my cheeks and my heart bleeds as if it were being cut to shreds. I tremble with anger because I cannot eat our enemy's flesh, lie down in his skin, chew up his liver, and drink his blood. I would gladly surrender my life a thousand times on the field of battle if I could do these things.

You have served in the army under my orders for a long time. When you needed clothing, I clothed you; when you lacked rice, I fed you; when your rank was too low, I promoted you; when your pay was insufficient, I increased it. If you had to travel by water, I supplied you with vessels; if you had to travel by land, I supplied you with horses. In time of war, we shared the same dangers; at the banquet table our laughter resounded in unison. Indeed, even Cong-Kien and Ngot-Lang did not show more solicitude for their officers than I have displayed for you.

And now, you remain calm when your emperor is humiliated; you remain indifferent when your country is threatened! You, officers, are forced to serve the barbarians and you feel no shame! You hear the music played for their ambassadors and you do not leap up in anger. No, you amuse yourselves at the cockfights, in gambling, in the possession of your gardens and rice fields, and in the tranquility of family life. The exploitation of your personal affairs makes you forget your duties to the State; the distractions of the fields and of the hunt make you neglect military exercises; you are seduced by liquor and music. If the enemy comes, will your cocks' spurs be able to pierce his armor? Will the ruses you use in your games of chance be of use in repulsing him? Will the love of your wives and children be of any use in the Army? Your money would neither suffice to buy the enemy's death, your alcohol to besot him, nor your music to deafen him.

All of us, you and I together, would then be taken prisoner. What grief! And not only would I lose my fief, but your property too would fall into enemy hands. It would not be my family alone that would be driven out, but your wives and children would also be reduced to slavery. It would not be only the graves of my ancestors that would be trampled under the invader's heel, but those of your ancestors would also be violated. I would be humiliated in this life and in a hundred others to come, and my name would be ignominiously tarnished. Your family's honor would also be sullied forever with the shame of your defeat. Tell me: Could you then indulge yourselves in pleasures?

I say to you in all frankness: Take care as if you were piling wood by the fire or about to imbibe a hot liquid. Exercise your soldiers in the skills of archery until they are the equals of Bang Mong and Hau Nghe, those famous archers of olden times. Then we will display Tat-Liet's head at the gates of the Imperial Palace and send the King of Yunnan to the gallows.

After that, not only my fief will be safe forever, but your privileges too will be assured for the future. Not only my family will enjoy the comforts of life, but you too will be able to spend your old age with your wives and children. Not only the memory of my ancestors will be venerated from generation to generation, but yours too will be worshipped in the spring and autumn of every year. Not only will I have accomplished my aspirations in this life, but your fame too will endure for a hundred centuries to come. Not only will my name be immortalized, but yours too will find a place in our nation's history. At that moment, would you not be perfectly happy even if you did not expect to be?

I have studied every military treatise in order to write my manual entitled "Principles of Military Strategy". If you will make an effort to study it conscientiously, to instruct yourselves in its teachings, and to follow my directions, you will become my true companions-in-arms. On the other hand, if you fail to study it and ignore my advice, you will become my enemies. Why? Because the Mongols are our mortal enemies; we cannot live under the same sky with them.

If you refuse to fight the Mongols in order to wash away the national shame, if you do not train your soldiers to drive out these barbarians, it would be to surrender to them. If that is what you want, your names will be dishonored forever. And when the enemy has finally been defeated, how will you be able to hold your head high between Heaven and Earth?

The purpose of this proclamation is to let you know my deepest thoughts.

Well... I can't find the Manifesto of Emperor Quang Trung. But I found something else, it's Hịch Tướng Sỉ của Trần Hưng Đạo (Tran Hung Dao's Proclamation to His Officers). Tran Hung Dao wrote this to his officers and gave a speech on it before he mobilized his troops and wipe the Mongols out of Vietnam.

thx again be' Tu' !

^ lol .. just teasing u, 'cuz 3 x be' Tu' is bigger than me

Gotta go to class! So long bé Hy!

"By this imperial letter I inform the European king of Macao, in order that he might know perfectly the manner in which events have unfolded. This year, in the fourth intercalary month (21 May-19 June 1792) two ships have arrived at my kingdom of Quang-nam at the port of Thuchum. They were examined by the port guards and they declared themselves to be ships from Macao, of which the captain's name was Joaquim António Milner. He had carried out commerce in Dong-nai and was returning to Macao, bearing letters of recognition from this lost family of the Nguyen. But alas! they are ignorant of the fact and are not able to discern clearly that Dong-nai is nothing but a minor territory, where the vanquished Nguyen family has taken refuge in order to hide themselves. That insignificant man will never regain his domains; those madmen of the Siamese king aided him with their armies, but they were also vanquished and exterminated in combat. Heaven has dispersed them, they are lost and have neither courage nor troops. For five years the French Europeans and those of your kingdom, and numerous merchants have given them boats and arms; taking part in his tyranny, they have resisted my armies, fighting in the wars in which many have died by the blade of the sword; it is a fact known to all and should serve as an example. I, the Emperor, have purified and pacified the kingdom in its confusion; I have conquered all of the southern provinces, not only Tonkin, but also those of Cochinchina, in which all of the middle territories of Quangnam were first, and then all of the major cities of these central regions of Quang Nam were made tributaries. However this territory of Dong-nai is like a pearl, how is it that this line of the Nguyen has been able to elude me? For some years now, up to the present day, I have been at war in order to establish myself in the northern regions of Hinhing (Tonkin), moreover I have made war on China and its provinces of Guangdong and Guangsi, where I put the Chinese to flight and carried out great massacres. These victories established peace, and I have been at rest for some time. My army is now on battle footing; my captains and soldiers are flush with courage and will take part whereever I command them.
In consequence of which, you, the king of Macao, in truth a small territory, should decide and send an edict in firm terms. But I apprehend that those in Macao were not all involved in this affair and did not wish to carry out commerce [in Dong nai] for any other reason than that they were attracted by greed and interest. They should not return there, in order that theyno longer marked are by this wicked Nguyen lineage, and that they no longer take part in their intrigues and criminal actions, under the pain of becoming without any doubt victims of my sword. My desire is to pacify all of the neighboring princedoms and I do not wish to be in discord with them. It is for this reason, king of Macao, that I admonish you and order you to give rigorous instructions to your subjects that if they carry out commerce it should be to Fuchum, a port in my kingdom, where they will find an accomodating anchorage and that they no longer return to Dong-nai and its environs in order that they no longer find themselves involved in those crimes to which they are strangers. And if they do not wish to obey with good grace, they will regret it, but it will be too late. Consider well all of this; on it depends fortune or misfortune, friendship or enmity.

The 18th of the 4th intercalary month of the 5th year of my reign of Quang Trung (7 June, 1792).

[Translated from Pierre-Yves Manguin, Le Nguyen, Macau et le Portugal: Aspects politiques et commerciaux d'une relation privilégiée en Mer de Chine 1773-1802, (Paris: École Française d' Extrême-Orient, 1984), pp. 98-99]"

Since he is one of the greatest heroes in our history. I believe we, Viets should learn more about him and keep his legacy live on. For me, he is such a significant figure in VietNam history for Not only victories in wars but to put VietNam position from "defensive" to"offensive" since The Great General Ly Thuong Kiet

There are a great deal of information about Emperor Quang Trung out there, and most of them are in Vietnamese.

Quang Trung reformed Vietnamese a lot when he was in control, if Quang Trung hadn't died so early, Vietnam would be:

1. Tolerant of Christianity from the Westerners
2. United under one great empire
3. Expand as far as Thailand
4. Chu Nom was far more widespread than Han-Viet
5. More militaristic

And much much more...

You need to incooperate chu nom with han-viet, just like japanese.

Is there a native-Viet word for EVERYTHING? Take the quote in DAI_VIET's signature for example.

nam quoc son ha are all obviously Han-Viet, not native-Viet words. Is there a native-Viet word for "south", "country", "mountain" and "river"?

How about DAI_VIET's name, dai is a Han-Viet word, is there a native-Viet word for "big"?