刘长卿，唐河间（现属河北）人，一说宣城（现属安徽）人，河间为其郡望，字文房。这首诗是赠送退伍军人李中丞，赞扬他久经沙声，忠勇为国，感伤他老来流落的境遇。首联先写李氏曾是十万大军将帅，而老来流落；三、四两联写他廉洁奉公和忠心耿耿；末联写江汉茫茫，年纪老迈，将“欲何之”？全诗对久经沙场，晚沦江汉的老将，寄予无限的同情。

刘长卿·《送李中丞归汉阳别业》

流落征南将，曾驱十万师。

罢官无旧业，老去恋明时。

独立三边静，轻生一剑知。

茫茫江汉上，日暮欲何之。

Bidding Farewell to Grand Censor Li Returning to His Country House in Hanyang

Liu Changqing

Homeless has become a former general, who once

On a southern expedition commanded a hundred thousand men.

Relieved of office he no longer possesses a manor;

In old age, he still cherishes these days of wise government

His presence alone ensured peace on the frontiers,

And his sword self-sacrificing valour witnessed.

But where will he drift on the hazy expanse

Of Jiang-Han1, when the sun is in the low west?