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But Lu Bu's guard began to weaken and fatigue seized him. Looking hard in the face of Liu Bei, Lu Bu feigned a fierce thrust thus making Liu Bei suddenly draw back. Then, lowering his halberd, Lu Bu dashed through the angle thus opened and got away.

But was it likely they would allow him to escape? They whipped their steeds and followed hard. The soldiers of the eight armies cracked their throats with thunderous cheers and all dashed forward, pressing after Lu Bu as he made for the shelter of the Tiger Trap Pass. And first among his pursuers were the three brothers.

An ancient poet has told of this famous fight in these lines:

The fateful day of Han came in the reigns of Huan and Ling,

Their glory declined as the sun sinks at the close of day.

Dong Zhuo, infamous minister of state, pulled down the youthful Bian.

It is true the new Xian was a weakling, too timid for his times.

Then Cao Cao proclaimed abroad these wicked deeds,

And the great lords, moved with anger, assembled their forces.

In council met they and chose as their oath-chief Yuan Shao,

Pledged themselves to maintain the ruling house and tranquillity.

Of the warriors of that time matchless Lu Bu was the boldest.

His valor and prowess are sung by all within the four seas.

He clothed his body in silver armor like the scales of a dragon,

On his head was a golden headdress with pheasant tails,

About his waist a shaggy belt, the clasp, two wild beasts' heads with gripping jaws,

His flowing, embroidered robe fluttered about his form,

His swift courser bounded over the plain, a mighty wind following,

His terrible trident halberd flashed in the sunlight, bright as a placid lake.

Who dared face him as he rode forth to challenge?

The bowels of the confederate lords were torn with fear and their hearts trembled.

Then leaped forth Zhang Fei, the valiant warrior of the north,

Gripped in his mighty hand the long octane-serpent halberd,

His mustache bristled with anger, standing stiff like wire.

His round eyes glared, lightning flashes darted from them.

Neither quailed in the fight, but the issue was undecided.

Guan Yu stood out in front, his soul vexed within him,

His green-dragon saber shone white as frost in the sunlight,

His bright colored fighting robe fluttered like butterfly wings,

Demons and angels shrieked at the thunder of his horse hoofs,

In his eyes was fierce anger, a fire to be quenched only in blood.

Next Liu Bei joined the battle, gripping his twin sword blades,

The heavens themselves trembled at the majesty of his wrath.

These three closely beset Lu Bu and long drawn out was the battle,

Always he warded their blows, never faltering a moment.

The noise of their shouting rose to the sky, and the earth reechoed it,

The heat of battle ranged to the frozen pole star.

Worn out, feeling his strength fast ebbing, Lu Bu thought to flee,