為了向英語世界人民介紹中國優秀的古典文化,艾黎充分發揮自己具有深厚中國文化修養的優勢,將大量的中國古典詩歌翻譯成英文,在英語世界傳播。在學習中國文化,研究中國歷史的過程中,艾黎瞭解了杜甫,他對中國歷史上這位偉大的詩人推崇備至。杜甫的詩歌與精神也對艾黎產生了非常大的影響。
杜甫詩選——喜達行在所三首(三)
死去憑誰報,歸來始自憐。
猶瞻太白雪,喜遇武功天。
影靜千官裡,心蘇七校前。
今朝漢社稷,新數中興年。
(3)
Should I have died in captivity
Who would have told my family?
But now I have returned and can
Enjoy looking at the snow on
Taibai Mountain, and the blue sky
At Wugong again; in court
The many officials stood calmly
In their ranks; my place in front
Of military officrs; our dynasty
Has been reborm -now counting
Its years from this day on.