淳熙十二年（1185）十二月，宋孝宗命章森（字德茂）以大理少卿试户部尚书衔为贺万春节（金世宗完颜雍生辰）正使，陈亮作此词为章德茂送行。对这种耻辱性的事件，一般很难写出振奋人心的作品，但陈亮由于有饱满的政治热情和对诗词创作的独特见解，敏感地从消极的事件中发现有积极意义的因素，开掘词意，深化主题，使作品显得气势磅礴。全词采用通篇议论的写法，言辞慷慨，充满激情，表达了不甘屈辱的正气与誓雪国耻的豪情。

《水调歌头·送章德茂大卿使虏》 陈亮

不见南师久，
谩说北群空。
当场只手，
毕竟还我万夫雄。
自笑堂堂汉使，
得似洋洋河水，
依旧只流东？
且复穹庐拜，
会向藁街逢！

尧之都，舜之壤，禹之封。
於中应有，
一个半个耻臣戎！
万里腥膻如许，
千古英灵安在，
磅礴几时通？
胡运何须问，
赫日自当中！

Prelude to Melody of Flowing Waters
To Zhang Demao, Deputy Minister of Justice in the Capacity of Out-going Envoy to the Enemy State
Chen Liang

Do not think that in Northern Ji there is no steed,
Thought the absence of Southern forces has been long,
The out-going official of mettle, for one, is indeed
More than a match for ten thousand men strong.
'Tis strange that dignified envoys of the Han breed
Should have submissively met the enemy's need.
Are they but waters in the rill, which towards the east trend?
But alas, to bow to th' yurts for th' moment just condescend:
We're sure to meet them in Gao Street and get back what we spend.

In Yao's land, Shun's domain and Yu's (1) territories,
There must be one or two men of spine who won't sink
Into submission and cater to th' enemies.
On a myriad li of land sheep's smells now stink.
Where can the heroic spirit of our ancients be display'd again,
And when can we uphold justice and sovereignty remain?
Oh, just wait! Th' enemy will be put in a wretched plight,
For the sun of justice will sooner or later shine bright!

(1) Yao, Shun and YU were wise Chinese ancient kings.