The disputes over the literal and free translation in the history of translation involved with each context of different periods, or the intention of defending national culture, or the function of language can not be determined by one perspective alone. This study analyzes the translation strategies from four translators in the East and West, and it suggests that both literal and free translation have their own function in the history. Take German as an example, Martin Luther translates the Bible by adopting the oral language of the common people as a strategy of free translation. His translation of the Bible becomes the foundation of the standard version of the German language and the first German dictionary. For the usage of literal translation, it highlights the exotic in literature. From the end of 19th century to 20th century, these poets as translators, Ezra Pound and Jorge Luis Borges, seek the new poetics through the medium of translation. Through translating Cathay, Pound's imagism is able to embed the image and phonology. As for Borges, translation is a tool for the cultural exchange, and his "very personal free translation" is the inspiration of his creation. Through these translators, this paper suggests that there is no absolute dichotomy of literal and free translation. Moreover, the translation also presents his consciousness of manipulation