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E298 + (Luo Wanhu at the Chinese court became reno … Luo Wanhu at the Chinese court became renowned throughout the world for his poetry. In the imo year of the Wanli reign (1582; Sŏnjo 15), he was appointed to deliver the decree to our country announcing the birth of the crown prince. However, due to his advanced age, Huang Hongxian 黃洪憲 (1541–1600) was sent instead.Luo’s poem on watching people hunting at the Ji Gate reads, 滿目邱墟百戰餘旅情衰草共悽如寒山古堠逢秋獵遠水孤燈見夜漁家在瀟湘多暮雨鴈來湓浦少鄕書故人一別三千里惆悵東西未定居 An expanse of wilderness that fills the eye is what remains of a hundred battles.Traveler’s mood and withered grass share the same sorrow.At the ancient battlement in the cold mountain, I encounter autumn hunting.A lone light flickering in the distant water reveals night fishing. My home is by the Xiao and Xiang Rivers,where there is often evening rain.Wild geese arriving at the Pen River deliver but a few letters from home.One farewell with an old friend, separated by three thousand li.Ah! Drifting between east and west, I have yet to find a place to settle. The composition method (kuppŏp) of this poem is smooth-running and vigorous (wŏnhwal). This is a case of balls rolling down the slope. I heard this poem from others. It is unfortunate that I did not come across more of his works.t I did not come across more of his works.)
E401 + (Minister Pak Sun was Pak Sang’s nephew. In … Minister Pak Sun was Pak Sang’s nephew. In uprightness and assiduousness, none could match him. While serving as a minister for ten years, he had no faults. But those who disliked his uprightness ostracized him and demanded his dismissal based on several tens of crimes. Luckily, King Sŏnjo, clearly realizing Pak’s innocence, saved him from calamity. In the end, taking illness as an excuse, Pak retired in Yŏngp’yŏng. The place had scenic areas with water and rocks, excellent for carefree wandering. When banished to the West Lake, he wrote the following poem, 琴書顛倒下龍山一棹飄然倚木蘭霞帶夕輝紅片片雨增秋浪碧漫漫汀籬葉悴騷人怨水寥花殘宿鷺寒頭白又為江漢客滿衣霜露泝危灘 Carrying the zither and books upside down, I descend the Dragon Mountain. Drifting on a raft, I lean on the wooden railing. Clouds, wearing an evening glow, turn pink, piece by piece. Rains add to the autumn waves everywhere in blue. Behind the waterside fence, the leaves wither, and the poet grieves.In the quiet water with fading flowers, the egret spends the night in the cold. With grey hair, I have again become the traveler of the Yangzi and Han.In clothes draped with frosts and dews, I go up the dangerous shore. The poem was widely recited (chŏnsong) for some time. His poem “On the Monk’s Scroll” 題僧軸 said, 小齋朝退偶乘閑隱幾蕭然看遠山終古世紛無盡了只今人事轉多難長空過鳥元超忽落日孤雲自往還遙想舊游天外寺木蓮花發水潺潺 Retreating early to the small studio, I enjoy an idle moment.Leaning on the table quietly, I gaze at the distant mountains. From the beginning, the world in turmoil has seen no end.But now the ways of the world have turned even more difficult.In the open sky, a passing bird travels early and far.At sunset, a solitary cloud returns alone.I recall my past journey to the monastery beyond the sky.Magnolia flowers bloom. The stream murmurs. This also can be incomparably moving (kyŏngjŏl). A quatrain written in Yŏngp’yŏng reads, 谷鳥時時聞一個匡床寂寂散群書每憐白鶴臺前水才出山門便帶淤 Now and then, I heara bird in the valley.Quietly, I spread outthe books on the bed.I always feel pity for the waterby the White Crane Terracefor soon as it leaves the mountain gate,it gets mixed with the mud. It can be said to be complete in both quiet and carefree idea (hanjŏk) and lofty and unworldly (chajae) aim.jŏk) and lofty and unworldly (chajae) aim.)
E392 + (Minister Yun Ch’unnyŏn had good judgment f … Minister Yun Ch’unnyŏn had good judgment for poetry. Seeing a regulated verse by my father, Yun said, “You must have read High Tang poems, and they must be Du Fu’s.” My father replied, “Yes, I am now dedicated to Du Fu’s poetry.” My father’s poem reads, 渡江緣草徑乘醉宿江城白月千峰照春鵑獨夜鳴水村歸夢罷山郭旅魂驚望帝春心托孤臣再拜情 Crossing the river, through the path of green grass,drunk, I spend the night at Kangsŏng. Bright moon shines on a thousand peaks.Spring cuckoo cries alone at night.In a river hamlet, the dream journey home ends.In a mountain town, my wandering soul is startled. Wangdi entrusted his spring heart to a cuckoo.This lonely official again expresses his heartfelt gratitude. Later, after reading the Tang shi gu chui 唐詩鼓吹 (Fife and Drum Songs of Tang Poetry), my father wrote a poem and showed it to him. Minister Yun said, “This poem has the air (ki) and flavor (mi) of late Tang poetry. It must be the Tang shi gu chui.” Then my father again read Du Fu’s poetry. Minister Yun saw his poem and said, “This again has the sound and rhythm of High Tang. You must have read Du Fu’s poetry.” His judgments were all right, and my father greatly respected him. Then he presented my father with the following poem, 欲詣詩門試一聽功夫著處自生靈靑天日月昭昭影大地山河歷歷形春風和融陶萬物波濤洶湧起滄溟留名萬古非難事舉世沉冥也獨醒 If you wish to enter the gate of poetry, please try to listen.Wherever you put effort in, spirit will naturally be born.In the blue sky, sun and moon have glowing reflections.On the vast land, mountains and rivers have distinct shapes. Spring breezes gently blend in, molding myriad things.Tidal waves surge with a roar, rousing the blue sea. Leaving your name behind for ten thousand years is not a difficult thing.The whole world is in deep darkness. Stay awake alone.rld is in deep darkness. Stay awake alone.)
E071 + (Monk Manu 萬雨 (b. 1357) was a leading disci … Monk Manu 萬雨 (b. 1357) was a leading disciple of Hwanam 幻庵 (1320–1392). From childhood, he devoted himself to studying, leaving no inner and outer canons left unprobed. He meticulously investigated their meanings. He was also skilled in composing poetry. His poetic thoughts (sisa) were exceptionally pure (ch’ŏngjŏl). He exchanged poems with Yi Saek and Yi Sungin 李崇仁 (1347–1392; sobriquet Toŭn [Potter Recluse]). Because the present dynasty does not uphold Buddhist teachings, children from influential families were unable to enter the Buddhist order. However, as Manu’s fame spread, scholars from far and wide gathered around him like clouds. Even the scholars of the Hall of Worthies (Chiphyŏnjŏn) sought his advice, sitting at his feet. Seeing how he brought together Confucians, Buddhists, and forest of scholars alike, all people admired him.My eldest and second eldest brothers used to study at Hoeam Monastery. When they saw Master Manu, he was over ninety years old. His appearance was clear and thin, and his vigor and body were still strong. Sometimes he would go without eating for two days, yet he felt no hunger. When food was presented to him food, he could consume several bowls, yet he showed no signs of being full. And for a few days, he did not use the toilet. He always sat upright in an empty room with just a lamp and a desk. He perused books all through the night and meticulously studying every word, no matter how small. Every single word became an object of his investigation. He never succumbed to sleep or lay down. He kept away from people and did not allow anyone to be near him. To summon a person, he would strike a small gong. When the disciples responded to it, he never called them in a loud voice. When the Japanese emissary, Monk Bunkei 文溪 (15th century), requested poems from several dozens of officials, Master Manu also responded to the court’s order and composed the following poem. 水國古精社灑然無位人火馳應自息柴立更誰親楓岳雲生屨盆城月滿闉風帆海天闊梅柳故園春 From an ancient monastery in the land of watercomes a carefree man without an office.Blazing gallops shall come to rest.Standing tall like a tree, who could be your friend?At the P’ungak Mountains, clouds rise under the straw sandals. At Punsŏng, the moon fills the city gate.Your sail rides the wind into the vast ocean and sky.Plum blossoms and willows, my old garden is in spring. Pyŏn Kyeryang, judging in the capacity of the Director of the Office of Degrees, changed the line “a carefree man without an office” from Manu’s poem to “a solitary man separated from the world” 蕭然絶世人. In response, the master said, “Official Pyŏn truly knows nothing about poetry. How is ‘solitary’ as good as ‘carefree’ and ‘separated from the world’ as good as ‘without an office’? These changes destroy the poem’s spontaneous (chayŏn) and uncontrived (muwi) charm (ch’wi)!” Every time he met scholars, he felt greatly disappointed. His literary collection, Ch’ŏnbong chip 千峯集 (Collected Works of Ch’ŏnbong), circulates in the world.ks of Ch’ŏnbong), circulates in the world.)
M987 + (Myriad matters of the world, what are they … Myriad matters of the world, what are they for after all?<br>For a hundred years in this land, there is only you and me. <br>How were the nine cauldrons different from ordinary pots?<br>Mount Tai came from the same origin as a down feather of autumn.<br>Spring sun is warm; Beautiful flowers are delicate.<br>The traveler from faraway looks weary from a long journey.<br>Holding our hands and leaving the gate, we are doubly sad.<br>On the boundless Han River, spring waves swell high.te, we are doubly sad.<br>On the boundless Han River, spring waves swell high.)
E019 + (Old Master Tonyu 敦裕 (13th century), the ab … Old Master Tonyu 敦裕 (13th century), the abbot of Sŏbaek Monastery, sent me two poems. His messenger hurried me for a response upon arrival, so I hastily composed the following poems in reply, 不是皇恩雨露疏煙霞高想自居幽須知紫闥催徵召休憐靑山久滯留遁世眞人甘屛跡趍時新進競昂頭衆王何日來騰踏狐鼠餘腥掃地收 It wasn’t because the rains and dews of the kingshowered sparsely on you. Loving the twilight mists and rose clouds, you chose to dwell in seclusion. Remember! The Purple Palace will soon summon you.So don’t love the blue mountains and linger there for too long.The enlightened ones, who have left the world, gladly conceal their traces.The ambitious, seizing the opportune time,thrust their heads forward in competition.When will the King of All come galloping, trampling so the stench of foxes and ratsbe cleared from the world? 莫道長安鯉信疏俗音那到水雲幽巖堂煙月棲身穩京輦風塵戀祿留道韻想君風入骨宦遊憐我雪蒙頭掛冠何日攀高躅六尺殘骸老可收 Please don’t say the letters from Chang’an are few. How could worldly sounds reach the rivers and clouds so deep!In a grotto, under the iridescent moon,you have settled, serene and secure,while I remain in the capital of dusty winds,for the love of government stipend.I miss you, who resonate the Way,like the wind penetrating the bones.And I pity myself, a traveler of officialdom,with head white as snow. When will I hang up my official cap and pursue the lofty path?A six-foot failing body ,I can collect it in when I am old. I also composed another poem to to express gratitude for the gift of candles. 東海孤雲十世孫文章猶有祖風存兩條金燭兼詩貺詩足淸心燭破昏 A tenth generation descendent of Solitary Cloud of the East Sea. In your writings, you still carrythe air of your ancestor.Two sticks of golden candles and a poem you gifted me. The poem to cleanse my heart, the candles to break the dark.In his reply, the abbot wrote, “Fearing that your poems might fall into oblivion, I carved a plaque of your verses and hung it on the wall, granting them a long life.”t on the wall, granting them a long life.”)
E034 + (Orator (<i>taech’uk</i>) O Sej … Orator (<i>taech’uk</i>) O Sejae satirized King Ŭijong’s travel incognito in a poem, reading, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M059|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]How come, on this clear day,<br>dark clouds cover the ground? <br>Citizens of the capital, Don’t come near!<br>For the dragon is moving among us!</div></br>His poem “Halberd Rocks” 戟巖 written to someone’s rhyme reads, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M060|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]The jagged rocks of North Mountain,<br>people call you Halberd Rocks. <br>Towering, you strike the crane riding Prince Jin. <br>Soaring, you pierce the shaman in the sky.<br>Lightning’s fire forged your handles.<br>Frost-like salt whetted your blades. <br>Shall I wield you as a weapon to conquer Chu and save Fan!</div> </br>His poem “Ailing Eyes” 病目 reads, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M061|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]Old age and illness arrive together.<br>All my life, I’ve lived as an unwaged scholar. <br>Blurring vision has dimmed my eyesight.<br>My pupils have lost their glow. <br>I’m frightful of reading under a lamp<br>and scared of seeing snow’s glare.<br>I will check the exam results in a while, <br>then close my eyes and learn to forget all motive.</div> </br>Yi Kyubo (sobriquet Munsun [Literary Flow]) said that <div class="critique-text">[[C037|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle critique-link-btn"></span>]]O learned poetic styles of Han Yu 韓愈 (768–824) and Du Fu 杜甫 (712–770), but his poems are few in number.</div> </br>The <i>Kim kŏsa chip</i> 金居士集 (Collected Works of Recluse Kim) has one poem by O which reads, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M062|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]A hundred-span round timber, is useful because it’s useless. <br>A three-foot long beak speaks without speaking.</div> </br><div class="critique-text">[[C038|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle critique-link-btn"></span>]]His seasoned robustness (<i>nogŏn</i>) is worthy of admiration.</div>tn"></span>]]His seasoned robustness (<i>nogŏn</i>) is worthy of admiration.</div>)
E325 + (Prince of Hasan, Sŏng Mongjŏng, was by nat … Prince of Hasan, Sŏng Mongjŏng, was by nature highly intelligent. Although he did not pay much attention to poetry and prose, whatever he wrote was excellent. He composed a piece called “Rhapsody on Feelings While Ill” 病懷賦, and Sin Kwanghan transcribed the entire poem, hanging it on a wall for constant reading. Yi Haeng also remarked, “If Sŏng tried hard to expand his talent, it would be something this generation could not even imagine.” Once he built a small hut at the foot of South Mountain and wrote the following poem, 誰家有道可沖天料理終知却不然試向山中高枕臥此身閑處卽神仙 Whose family has the Way that can shoot up into the heaven?After reflection, one will finally realize it is not the case.I venture into the mountains,reclining on a high pillow,where my idle body becomes just like an immortal.During a visit to a river pavilion, he composed another poem:, 爭占名區漢水濱樓臺幾處向江新朱欄大抵多空寂携酒來憑是主人 I rush off to find a scenic spot along the Han riverbank.How many towers and terraces facing the river are new?Most vermilion balustrades are empty and quiet.Whoever visits them with wine will be their owners. The meanings are all laid out with the intent of admonishing the world. He was a brother-in-law to Minister Sang Chin. Sang always said, “My brother-in-law’s poems are worthy of being included in the Tongmunsŏn 東文選 (Anthology of Eastern Literature).” That his poems were not included is also his fate. poems were not included is also his fate.)
E002 + (Queen Chindŏk 眞德 (r. 647–654) of Silla is … Queen Chindŏk 眞德 (r. 647–654) of Silla is found in the ''Tangsi yugi'' 唐詩類記 (Classified Records of Tang Poetry). </br><div class="critique-text">[[C002|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle critique-link-btn"></span>]]Lofty and ancient (''kogo''), robust and simple (''unghon''), her poem rivals the poems from the early Tang dynasty. At that time, the literary culture of the East had not yet flourished. Besides Ŭlchi Mundŏk’s quatrain, I had heard nothing else. That she achieved this as a female sovereign is truly remarkable.</div> </br>The poem reads, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M002|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]The great [[Tang]] has begun its grand mission.<br></br>Majestic are the great merits of the emperor!<br></br>The battles ceased, and the armor was put away.<br></br>Civilization was restored, succeeding hundreds of kings.<br></br>Commanding the heaven, the [[Tang]] showered down favor.<br></br>Managing all things, it embodies beauty.<br></br>Its benevolence was profound, keeping with the sun and the moon.<br></br>Conforming to a timely fortune, a generation of great peace followed.<br></br>How brilliant are your streaming banners!<br></br>How dazzling your gongs and drums!<br></br>Barbarians outside the realm who disobey your commands<br></br>shall be overthrown by a calamity from heaven.<br></br>Harmonious air gathers throughout the world.<br></br>Far and near, all vie for auspicious signs.<br></br>Four seasons regulate favorable weather.<br></br>[[Seven Stars]] illuminate myriad places.<br></br>High mountains bring forth great ministers.<br></br>The emperor employs the loyal and the good.<br></br>Becoming one in virtue with [[Five Emperors and Three Kings]]<br></br>is the radiant imperial house of Tang.<br></div></br>According to an annotation: In the first year of the Yonghui reign (650; T’aehwa 1), Queen Chindŏk destroyed the Paekche army and presented to the emperor a silk embroidery of her five-character poem, the “Poem of Great Peace.” </br>Note: Yonghui (650–656) was the reign title of Tang Emperor Gaozong.een Chindŏk destroyed the Paekche army and presented to the emperor a silk embroidery of her five-character poem, the “Poem of Great Peace.” Note: Yonghui (650–656) was the reign title of Tang Emperor Gaozong.)
E315 + (Scholar Hong Yuson was a local official of … Scholar Hong Yuson was a local official of Namyang in Kyŏnggi province. Unwilling to intrude and take another official’s job in his hometown, after becoming a classics licentiate (saengwŏn), Hong chose not to take the civil service examination. He wandered freely and possessed a naturally lofty character. A poem he wrote on the rock cliff of the Diamond Mountains reads, 身先檀帝戊辰歲眼及箕王號馬韓要與永郞遊水府偶牽春酒滯人間 I was here before Tan’gun’s year of mujin.My eyes beheld Kija’s declaration of Mahan.Together with immortal Eternal Youth, I wished to visit the Water Kingdom,but by chance got tied down by spring wine and stayed in the mortal world. Contemporaries believed that the poem was by an immortal. It was only after they heard that Hong had visited the place that they realized it was his poem. place that they realized it was his poem.)
E302 + (Scholar Im Hyŏngsu said, “I once wrote the … Scholar Im Hyŏngsu said, “I once wrote the following couplet, 天下豈無千里馬人間難得九方皐 Under Heaven, how could there not be a thousand-li horse?In the mortal world, it is difficult to find Jiufang Gao.Then in the Shanguji 山谷集 (Collected Works of Huang Tingjian), I found a couplet, 世上豈無千里馬人中難得九方皐 In the world, how could there not be a thousand-li horse?Among humans, it is difficult to find Jiufang Gao.Huang’s ‘in the world’ is inferior (ryŏl) to my ‘under Heaven,’ but his ‘among humans’ is more excellent (u) than my ‘in the mortal world.’” In my humble opinion, these expressions by Huang have surpassed many others, both in the past and present. Is there anyone who can rival him? Having read the poem once and forgotten it, how could Im claim these expressions as his own? However, if these lines by Im unintentionally coincided (amhap) with the lines by Huang, then Im’s poem could be passed down for a thousand years, just like Huang’s.n for a thousand years, just like Huang’s.)
E320 + (Scholar Sim Kŭkhyo 沈克孝 (15th century) live … Scholar Sim Kŭkhyo 沈克孝 (15th century) lived during the reign of King Chungjong. His house, located at the foot of South Mountain, had a really nice Chestnut Pavilion, making his house famous at the time. One Chief Minister, who attended a drinking party at Sim’s house, expressed his desire to exchange it with his new house. Sim laughed and replied, “Even if I were offered a half of the world and the addition of Yueyang Tower, I would not exchange it.” Han Hyŏngyun 韓亨允 (1470–1532), known for his wit, whispered to Sim’s ears, “If he were indeed willing to give you half of the world plus Yueyang Tower in exchange for your house, it would be a highly advantageous trade for you. You should strive to make it happen.” This anecdote became a topic of conversation among contemporaries. Upon Sim’s passing, a eulogy poem dedicated to him read, 一壑自當天下半栗亭寧換岳陽樓 If a ravine could equal a half of the world,how could Chestnut Pavilion be exchanged for Yueyang Tower?t Pavilion be exchanged for Yueyang Tower?)
E347 + (Scholar Yi Yangguk 李良國 (16th century) was … Scholar Yi Yangguk 李良國 (16th century) was rather arrogant and proud and did not conform to rules and regulations. Once, when seeing off someone to the Diamond Mountains, as Yi himself had already been visiting there for ten years while the person he was seeing off only for three years, Yi wrote, 十年人送三年客八萬峰高九萬天嘯落扶桑波撼日吟搖蔚島海生烟 The person of ten years sees offthe traveler of three yearsto where eighty thousand peaks reach up to ninety thousand skies.The Fusang tree whistles and sinks as the waves shake the sun.The Ul Island sings and sways as the sea breathes out mists. In the winter of the sinhae year (1551), the state examinations for Buddhism and Daoism were reinstated, and Confucian scholars prepared to submit a memorial. They came to Yi’s house to have him sign the memorial. Under his name, Yi wrote, 闢佛上疏韓愈事乘鶴橫空呂洞狂 Presenting a memorial refuting Buddhism, Han Yu served the court.Riding the crane across the sky, Lü Dongbin lived wildly. Then he wrote, “As for me, I will go roaming in the mountains tomorrow,” and chose not join the group of protesters. On another occasion, Yi presented a parting poem to his lover and wrote a poem on her fan. An official who had feelings for Yi’s lover saw the fan and burnt it. Yi then wrote on the burnt end of the fan, 至今未滅焚書火燒盡郞君惜別詩 To this day the fire that burnt the books has not been extinguishedand completely burnt a lover’s poem of sorrowful parting. The official saw it and praised Yi’s personal aura (kisang), probably admiring his wildness. (kisang), probably admiring his wildness.)
E335 + (Second Minister (ch’amp’an) Pak Yŏng 朴英 (1 … Second Minister (ch’amp’an) Pak Yŏng 朴英 (1471–1540) was a renowned military official during the reign of King Chungjong. His education was comprehensive. He was good at poetry and also possessed medical knowledge. His home was in Sŏn Mountain by the bank of the Naktong River, Kyŏngsang province. His poem reads, 絶域南陲海氣昏兜鍪金甲老王孫無心麟閣題名字家在洛東江上村 In a secluded region, at the southern tip, covered in thick ocean mists,donned with helmet and armor is an old royal descendent.With no intention to have his name inscribed at the Qilin Pavilion,his home is in a village along the Naktong River. Another poem reads, 四十纔過五十初人間無用一籧篨餘生只合劉伶醉散步江湖堪打魚 Just passed my forties and now into my early fifties,useless in the mortal world, I am a disabled man.In the life that remains, I am only fit to be drunk like Liu Ling.Strolling along rivers and lakes, I shall go fishing.long rivers and lakes, I shall go fishing.)
E404 + (Sŏ Kyŏngdŏk was born with nearly supreme i … Sŏ Kyŏngdŏk was born with nearly supreme intelligence and had an especially profound understanding of Shao Yong’s 邵雍 (1011–1077) commentary on the Yijing (Book of Changes). The tactics he obtained from the Huangdi jingshi 皇極經世 (Book of Supreme World Ordering Principles) did not contain a single error. He wrote the following poem, 讀書當日志經綸歲暮還甘顏氏貧富貴有爭難下手林泉無禁可安身采山釣水堪充腹詠月吟風足暢神學到不疑真快活免教虛作百年人 Then I studied bookswith the intent on statecraft. Now in my waning years, I delight in the poverty of Yan Hui.Wealth and honor competeand are hard to get hold of. Forests and fountains do not discriminate, so there you can rest yourself.Picking firewood in the mountain and angling in the water, I can fill my belly.Singing the moon and chanting the wind, I satisfy my free spirit.Learning to the point of having no doubt, I am cheerful.I shall not let myself in vainbecome a hundred-year-old man.self in vainbecome a hundred-year-old man.)
E405 + (Sŏng Hun (sobriquet Taegok [Great Valley]) … Sŏng Hun (sobriquet Taegok [Great Valley]) was born with a beautiful nature and early on escaped the web of the mundane world. His older brother suffered the calamity of the literati purge in the year of ŭlsa (1545) and died a violent death. After that, Sŏng became even more indifferent to the world and lived in seclusion at the foot of Songni Mountain in Ch’ungch’ŏng province and died past the age of eighty. His poetry was like his person, deep and delicate (ch’ungdam), carefree and elegant (han’a), and had a lingering sound of the West Lake Recluse Lin Bu 林逋 (967–1028). 春服稱身雙袖短古琴便手七弦長十年嘗盡山中藥客到時聞口齒香 Spring jacket fits me wellwith two short sleeves.Zither is familiar to my handswith seven long strings.For ten years I tasted every herb in the mountain.When guests come, I often hear them say my breath is fragrant. The poem “Seeing off Cho Sik” 送曹南冥植 reads, 溟鴻獨向海南飛正值秋風落木時滿地稻梁雞鶩啄碧雲天外自忘機 A lone soaring goose flies south toward the sea,just when in autumn wind the time comes for trees to wither.Millets all over the groundchickens and ducks peck. Azure clouds beyond the skymake me simply forget all motive. He wrote many poems like these.ll motive. He wrote many poems like these.)
E004 + (The “Treatise on Literature” (Yiwenzhi藝文志) … The “Treatise on Literature” (Yiwenzhi藝文志) in the Xin Tang shu 新唐書 (New Book of Tang) contains Ch’oe Ch’iwŏn’s single-volume Saryuk chip 四六集 (Collection of Four-Six Poetic Exposition). Additionally, his ten-volume literary collection, the Kyewŏn p’ilgyŏng 桂苑筆耕 (Ploughing the Cassia Grove with a Writing Brush), has been published. I have always admired the great open-mindedness of the Chinese for not looking down upon foreigners and including them in their official histories, and even making their writings circulate throughout the world. Nevertheless, I cannot figure out why there is no separate biography of Ch’oe Ch’iwŏn in the “Biographies of Writers” (Wenyi liezhuan 文藝列傳) [in the Xin Tang shu]. Was it because there was a paucity of information about him to write a separate biography? At age twelve, Ch’oe crossed the sea to study in Tang and passed the highest civil service examination on his first attempt. He went on to serve Gao Pian 高駢 (821?–887) and wrote “A Letter to Condemn Huang Chao,” which disconcerted the rebel. Subsequently, he was appointed Campaign Commander (dutong xunguan) and Attendant Censor (shiyushi). When it was time for him to return to his native land, Gu Yun 顧雲 (d. 894), a fellow graduate of the civil service examination, gave him a poem, “Song of a Confucian Immortal” 儒仙歌. One of its stanzas reads, At twelve you boarded a ship, crossing the sea to arrive here.Your writings inspired the kingdom of Central Efflorescence.ired the kingdom of Central Efflorescence.)
E346 + (There was a student named Hong Hanin 洪漢仁 ( … There was a student named Hong Hanin 洪漢仁 (Koryŏ) who was talented in poetry and loved to roam in mountains and waters. He once wrote a poem about Ch’ŏnma Mountain, which reads, 朝上白雲峯頂觀暮投峯下孤菴宿夜深僧定客無眠杜宇一聲山月落 In the morning, I ascend the cloud-covered peak to view the scenery.At dusk, I reach the bottom of the peakand spend the night at a solitary temple.The night is deep. The monk is calm. The guest cannot sleep.The call of a cuckoo rings as the moon sets over the mountain.Later, it is said that he traveled to the Diamond Mountains and, while enjoying the deep pool, his foot slipped and drowned.e deep pool, his foot slipped and drowned.)
E043 + (T’anji 坦之 (late Koryŏ) passed the civil se … T’anji 坦之 (late Koryŏ) passed the civil service examination and became renowned for his poetry. He later became a Buddhist monk and adopted the name Ch’wibong (Vulture Peak). His poem “Falling Pear Blossoms” 落梨花 reads, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M086|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]When millions of jade dragons clashed over the pearly sun, the God of Waves in the sea picked up their fallen scales. </br>Secretly, to the spring breeze he tried to sell them. </br>Handily, the Lord of Spring scattered them in the dusty world of mortals.</div></br><div class="critique-text">[[C053|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle critique-link-btn"></span>]]This is an example of so-called “poetry smacking of village schools.”</div></br>Kim Ku 金坵 (1211–1278; sobriquet Munjŏng [Literary Uprightness]) also wrote a poem by this same title, and his reads, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M087|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]Fluttering and dancing nimbly, moving to and fro.</br>Scattered by the wind, yet you wish to bloom on the branches. </br>Out of nowhere, a petal sticks to the cobweb. </br>Spiders come out thinking that a butterfly has been snared.</div></br><div class="critique-text">[[C054|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle critique-link-btn"></span>]]Each poet has his own technique (sudan).</div>lus-circle critique-link-btn"></span>]]Each poet has his own technique (sudan).</div>)
E383 + (When Chŏng Ch’ŏl was sent on a mission to … When Chŏng Ch’ŏl was sent on a mission to the northern frontier, he wrote a short song. Shortly after, King Myŏngjong 明宗 (1534–1567) died, probably also because the song was a poetic omen. Later, as a governor Chŏng personally patrolled Kilchu in Kyŏngsang province, and there he heard an old kisaeng singing his song. After getting drunk, he wrote the following quatrain, 二十年前塞下曲何年落此妓林中孤臣未死天涯淚欲向康陵灑曉風 My tune from the frontier twenty years ago.What year did you dropamong this group of kisaeng?This lonely official has not died and weeps in this far corner, wishing toward the Peace Mausoleum to sprinkle his tears in an early morning breeze.nkle his tears in an early morning breeze.)
E341 + (When Kim An’guk served as a Pacification C … When Kim An’guk served as a Pacification Commissioner (sŏnwisa), while seeing off the Japanese envoy Hōchū, he wrote down Ch’oe Ch’iwŏn’s quatrain, 沙汀立馬待回舟一帶烟波萬古愁直得山平兼水竭人間離別始應休 Halting the horse by the sandbar, I await the returning boat. A stretch of mists and waves stirs up the sorrow of thousands of ages. Only when the hills are leveled and the waters run dry,will partings in the mortal world come to an end.Kim said, “I composed this poem as a child when seeing off a friend.” Hōchū laughed and said, “The poem’s vigor in content (kigol) tells me that it is not your work.” Kim gasped in admiration. not your work.” Kim gasped in admiration.)
E332 + (When Prince Nosan was in Yŏngch’ŏn, he asc … When Prince Nosan was in Yŏngch’ŏn, he ascended the Bright Moon Pavilion on a moonlit night and heard a cuckoo calling. Then he wrote the following poem, 蜀魂啼山月白相思空倚樓頭爾啼苦我心愁無爾聲無我憂寄語人間離別客愼莫登子規啼明月樓 The soul of Shu cries in the white moonlight of the mountain.Yearning for you in vain, I lean against the tower.Your mournful cry grieves my heart.Without your sound, I have no sorrow.Here is my advice to allthe travelers in the mortal world.Be careful not to ascend the Bright Moon Pavilion when you hear the cuckoo’s cry.n Pavilion when you hear the cuckoo’s cry.)
E083 + (Yi Chip 李集 (1314–1387; sobriquet Tunch’on … Yi Chip 李集 (1314–1387; sobriquet Tunch’on [Secluded Village]) gained renown throughout the world because of his literary achievements. His friends were all outstanding figures of their time. Once he spoke critically of current affairs. When his words touched upon the topic of Sin Ton 辛旽 (d. 1371), Sin tried to secretly assassinate him. Together with his father, Yi fled. Hearing that his co-graduate Ch’oe Wŏndo 崔元道 (14th century) lived at Yŏngch’ŏn, Kyŏngsang province, they went there to seek refuge. Ch’oe treated them with great generosity. For three years, they never left his house. When Yi’s father died, Ch’oe took care of everything for his funeral and burial, as if the deceased had been his own father, and buried him next to Yi’s mother’s grave. Yi then presented the following poem to Ch’oe, 慷慨傷時淚滿襟流離孝懇達幽陰漢山迢遞雲烟阻羅峴盤回草樹深天占後先雙馬鬣誰知君我兩人心願焉世世長如此須使交情利斷金 Overcome with grief, tears drench my collars.Sincere filiality of this refugee has reached the underworld.Mount Han is far away, obstructed by misty clouds.Steep hills of Nahyŏn twist and turn,buried among thickets. Heaven claimed them one after another, and they now rest in twin graves. Who would understand you and me,the hearts of yours and mine? May we, generation after generation,this way remain. Let us keep this friendship that can cut through metal!To this day, people all praise Ch’oe’s faithfulness. Namhyŏn is the place where his mother was buried. is the place where his mother was buried.)
E087 + (Yi Talsŏn 李達善 (1457–1505; styled Kyŏmji) o … Yi Talsŏn 李達善 (1457–1505; styled Kyŏmji) once had a dream in which a scholar in a strange form presented him with a poem that read, 世上紅塵滿天樓紫玉寒東皇求八狴終不憶家山 The world is full of red dust.At the celestial mansion, the sounds of purple jades are cold. The Eastern Emperor seeks out the eight beastsbut remembers not his native mountains. Yi believed the dream was a call from the underworld, so he told everyone that he would die soon. The following year, he won the honor of the tertius at the civil service examination. I sent him the following congratulatory poem, 日下五雲爛未收廣寒深殿桂花秋祗隨傅說調金鼎準擬東皇八狴求 Under the sun, five-colored clouds glimmer without an end. Deep inside the Palace of Vast Coldness, autumn osmanthus are in bloom.Follow Fu Yue’s example and stir the golden cauldron.Let’s hope the Sovereign of the East will search for the eight beasts. The poem’s meaning (siŭi) draws an analogy between our king to the Eastern Emperor, and it shows my faith that Yi would someday assist the king. Not long after, Yi entered the Office of Special Advisors (Hongmun’gwan) and received great royal favor and honor. and received great royal favor and honor.)
E068 + ([[P118|<span class="keyword person"> … [[P118|<span class="keyword person">Kim Suon (sobriquet Munp’yŏng [Literary Standard])</span>]] was well-versed in the Six Classics, the writings of hundred schools of thought, and history. There was nothing that he did not probe into, and his understanding of Buddhist Sūtras was particularly profound. Once, he said, “The merit of scholarship lies in a student’s reading one book thoroughly and repeatedly. They must also take the time to reflect on it. If one is hasty, it will be difficult to savor the book’s flavor (mi). I control my mind and calm my instincts, and that is how I understand all that come into contact with me.”During a visit to Yanghwa Ferry, the imperial envoy Chen Hanlin 陳翰林 (15th century) composed a poem that included the word “cheerful” 怡. Matching that rhyme proved challenging for everyone. Kim then responded, 江深畫舸惟須泛山遠晴雲只可怡 A painted boat on the river deepmakes us think only about drifting.Bright clouds over the mountains farbring nothing but cheer. Chen replied, 山中何所有嶺上多白雲只可自怡說不堪持贈君 What could be there in the mountains?Over the hilly roads, white clouds abound. I can only feel cheerful myself. Too bad, I cannot offer them to you. He said to Kim, “You truly captured the charm (ch’wi) of the scenery.” While cruising the Han River, Councilor (langzhong) Qi Shun (15th century) composed a poem that included the word “sleep” 眠. Each attending scholars wrote a poem in response, but Kim struggled and sighed deeply. Even after a long time, he couldn’t complete it. In the end, he presented the following couplet, 江口日斜人自集渡頭風靜鷺絲眠 At the river’s mouth, the sun sets, and people gather together.At the ferry dock, the wind calms, and herons sleep a little. Recorder (chusŏ) Yi Ch’angsin 李昌臣 (b. 1449), who was nearby, remarked, “I’m afraid ‘gather together’ and ‘sleep a little’ do not match.” Kim then said, “You can make the correction.” Yi suggested, “How about replacing ‘a little’ 絲 with ‘idly’ 閑?” Kim responded, “Your words are absolutely correct. Recently, my poetic thoughts (sisa) have dried up (kogal) because I have not been receiving [[T044|<span class="keyword topic">acupuncture</span>]] and moxibustion.” Everyone laughed at his remark.)

C041 + (However, Paek himself admitted that he could never reach the poetic world of Kwŏn.)

E277 + (1. A couplet in Pak Kyehyŏn’s 朴啓賢 (1524–15 … 1. A couplet in Pak Kyehyŏn’s 朴啓賢 (1524–1580; sobriquet Kwanwŏn [Garden Waterer]) poem, presented to Cho Sasu, reads, 詩名不讓一聲笛相業猶存半部書 Your poetic fame does not yield to the tune of a bamboo flute. Now that you are a minister, you still have half of the Analects to go. His use of references (yongsa) was apposite (chŏldang). In my poem “Presented to Educational Official (hakkwan) Yu Ison 柳耳孫 (16th century)” 贈學官柳耳孫, I wrote, 公權翰墨臻三昧子厚文章擅一場 Gongquan’s calligraphy has reached the state of complete concentration.Zihou’s writings shook the literary scene of his time.This is an example of attempting to paint a tiger but failing.f attempting to paint a tiger but failing.)
E176 + (1. Drinking Toso wine on New Year’s Day ha … 1. Drinking Toso wine on New Year’s Day has been an ancient custom. The young drink it first, followed by the old. The current custom is that after getting up on New Year’s Day, when you meet someone, you would call their name. If they respond, you would say, “Buy my follies,” as a way to sell your follies and avoid calamities. I have always loved the following quatrain about New Year’s Day from a poem in our Eastern country, 人多先我飮屠蘇已覺衰遲負壯圖事事賣癡癡不盡猶將古我到今吾 Before my turn, many peopledrink the medicinal wine.I see I am already old with no more aspirations.Each time, I sell my follies, yet my follies are endless.It is still my old self that’s my present self. On this New Year’s Day, I tuned eighty years old. Playfully, I matched the poem and wrote, 微軀多病少醒蘇八十康寧是不圖何用賣癡先飮酒詩場强敵可支吾 Feeling frail and sickly, I sober up from medicinal wine.Health and peace at eighty are not what I seek.What’s the use of selling follies and drinking the wine first?At the poetic arena against a potent opponent, I can still hold my ground. I sent the poem to Second Deputy Director (tongjisa) Song Ch’an 宋贊 (1510–1601; sobriquet Sŏgyo [Western Outskirt]).1601; sobriquet Sŏgyo [Western Outskirt]).)
E281 + (1. Du Fu wrote in his poem, 自天題處濕當夏着來淸 Co … 1. Du Fu wrote in his poem, 自天題處濕當夏着來淸 Coming from the emperor, still wet where the writing is,wearing these in hot weather one is cool.The expressions “from the emperor” and “in hot weather” all derived from the classics. Using such expressions from the classics in poetry has long been a technique (pŏp). In a poem presented to Ŏ Sukkwŏn, I wrote, 詩壇我屈奔而殿酒社君尊酒則先 In the world of poetry, I surrender and stay in the rear of the troop.At the banquet, you receive honorand drink the wine first. This is a case of what is known as “learning the way they walk in Handan.”as “learning the way they walk in Handan.”)
E222 + (1. During the Zhengtong reign, Sŏl Wi 薛緯 ( … 1. During the Zhengtong reign, Sŏl Wi 薛緯 (15th century) served as the Magistrate of Man’gyŏng county and became known for his integrity and prudence. One day, after reeiving a reprimand from a governor, he decided to resign from his position and depart. He left a poem on his desk that read, 數年江郡獨鳴琴志在高山與水深世上難逢鍾子耳絃中誰會伯牙心 For many years, in this river country, I have played the zither alone,though my aspirations have always been in lofty mountains and deep waters.In this world, it is rare to meet someone With the ears of Zhongzi.From the tunes, who can understandthe heart of Boya?unes, who can understandthe heart of Boya?)
E179 + (1. In the fall of sinhae during the reign … 1. In the fall of sinhae during the reign of Jiajing (1551; Myŏngjong 6), I, in the capacity of a representative of the Ministry of Civil Official Affairs (ibu), went to P’yŏngan province on an official mission. It was there that I had a romance with a kisaeng from Kisŏng, known as Tongjŏngch’un 洞庭春 (Spring at Dongting Lake) (16th century). After my return to the court, she sent me a letter that said, “Unable to see you, whom I miss dearly, I cannot bear this pain of separation. I would rather die and be buried with you. Soon, I will return to the Beauties’ Grotto.” The grotto was located outside the Seven Star Gate of Kisŏng, and kisaengs were all buried there. In response, I jokingly wrote a quatrain and sent it to her, 滿紙縱橫摠誓言自期他日共泉原丈夫一死終難免當作嬋娟洞裏魂 Your letter was filled with words of a solemn vow. I promise that someday we shall be together in the underworld.A man’s death, after all, cannot be avoided.I shall be a ghost in the Beauties’ Grotto. Not long after, she died from an illness. Once again, I wrote a regulated verse as a jest. 生別長含惻惻情那知死別忽呑聲乍聞凶訃腸如裂細憶音容淚自傾書札幾曾來浿水夢魂無復到箕城嬋娟戱語還成讖愧我泉原負舊盟 After our parting in life, I always carried feelings of sorrow.How could have I known our parting in death would suddenly render me speechless?Hearing the news of your passing severs my innards. Vividly remembering your voice and your face, tears stream down on their own. Several letters had arrived from you through the P’ae River.But in my dreams, I have yet to return to Kisŏng.The joke of the Beauties’ Grotto has become a reality.I am sorry I cannot keep our old promise to meet in the underworld. All my friends read it and laughed. In the spring of kimi (1559), I went to Ch’ungch’ŏng province on an official mission. Second Minister (ch’amp’an) Kwŏn Ŭngch’ang 權應昌 (1505–1568) was serving as Magistrate (moksa) of Hongju (Sr. 3), and his illegitimate younger brother Kwŏn Ŭngin 權應仁 (16th century; sobriquet Songgye [Pine Creek]) followed him there. On the day of my arrival, Kwŏn Ŭngin presented me with two regulated verses he had written for singing performance at kisaeng schools. The last lines read, 人生適意無南北莫作嬋娟洞裏魂 In human affairs, if two people share their thoughts,it matters not whether they are in the north or south.Just do not become a ghost in the Beauties’ Grotto!These lines are apposite (chŏldang) and savory (yumi) lines. At the time, I had tender feelings for a local kisaeng named Ongnusŏn 玉樓仙 (Jade Tower Fairy) (16th century), so Kwŏn’s poem resonated with me.entury), so Kwŏn’s poem resonated with me.)
E218 + (1. In the sinch’uk year of the Jiajing rei … 1. In the sinch’uk year of the Jiajing reign (1541; Chungjong 36), I went to Beijing accompanying the Envoy for the Emperor’s Birthday (hajŏlsa). It just so happened that the empress of Emperor Wuzong had recently passed away, so that the members of our mission also joined the procession of officials and mourned day and night. One day, early in the morning, while I was briefly sitting outside the shrine gate, many Chinese officials also came out to sit. An official standing under the cracked eaves approached Interpreter Hong Kyŏm and asked, “Can you write poetry?” Hong replied, “There was a light rain last night. Feeling homesick and melancholic, I wrote a quatrain in the spur of the moment.” The official insisted on seeing the poem. Hong then wrote down a poem by Ch’oe Ch’iwŏn and showed it to him, which said, 秋風惟苦吟世俗少知音窓外三更雨燈前萬里心 Autumn winds only make me write poems of agony.In this world, there are few who understand my tune.Outside the window, a midnight rain falls.By the lamp, my heart wanders thousands of li.The Chinese official took the poem and showed it to his superior, who promptly sent officials to copy it down. The commotion continued for a while until someone brought refreshments for us. Eventually, someone handed a brush to Hong and asked, “Can you write another poem?” Hong pointed at me and said, “He can also write poetry. Go and ask him for a poem.” The man then requested a poem from me. I wrote on the paper, “Petty literary craft, like engraving a worm and carving a seal, was not originally meant to be a pursuit of gentlemen. Especially during a state funeral, how can this be a time for poeticizing the wind and the moon? But, if I must, I have written a few things on the way to China. I can show you one quatrain from them.” The man replied, “I’d be lucky to have that.” Then I wrote down the poem “Seeing You Off to the East at Tangzhan” 湯站送人東還詩, and it read, 松鶻山前路君東我馬西欲題家信去臨紙意還迷 Standing on the road at the foot of Mt. Songgol,you head east, and I gallop west.I wish to send a letter back home,but facing the paper, my thoughts beocme blurry.Then they all read it and copied it down, just as they had done before. Pointing out my remark, “How can this be a time for poeticizing the wind and the moon?,” they all praised and said, “Yours is a country that truly understands propriety!”country that truly understands propriety!”)
E173 + (1. In the summer of kapsin (1544), I was a … 1. In the summer of kapsin (1544), I was appointed Sixth State Councilor (chwach’amch’an). Chief State Councilor (yŏngŭijŏng) Pak Sun 朴淳 (1523–1589), Second State Councilor No Susin 盧守愼 (1515–1590), Third State Council (uŭijŏng) Chŏng Yugil 鄭惟吉 (1515–1588), Fourth State Councilor (ch’amsŏng) Chŏng Ch’ŏl 鄭澈 (1536–1593), and I were all primuses of civil service examinations. The three seniors had previously served as Directors at the Office of Royal Decrees (taejehak), and Chŏng Ch’ŏl at the time was serving as Deputy Director (chehak), and I had once held that position in the past. It was a wonderful occurence that the five of us could be colleagues for once. In light of this, I composed a poem, 潭潭相府會龍頭盛事人間罕比侔爭道一時奎璧煥只慚庸品廁名流 At the grand office of the State Council, the heads of dragons have convened.Few events in the mortal world are as wonderful as this.Rivals of our time,you are all glowing stars.Yet, a mediocre talent, I can only feel unworthy among the luminaries. Chŏng Ch’ŏl then matched my poem, 五學士爲五壯頭聲名到我不相侔只應好事無分別等謂當時第一流 The five scholars standas the five primuses.As for their fame,I am unable to match. It surely is a wonderful thingthat we have no discord.So let’s proudly proclaim that we are all first-class officials!aim that we are all first-class officials!)
E184 + (1. It has been a state regulation to besto … 1. It has been a state regulation to bestow a leaning chair and a cane to first-ranking officials who are over seventy years old but cannot retire from their positions due to their importance in state affairs. In the sixth month of the kyeyu year during the reign of Wanli (1573; Sŏnjo 6), Hong Sŏm 洪暹 (1504–1585), the First Minister in the Office of Ministers-without-Portfolio (yŏngsa) and former Chief State Councilor, turned seventy and received a leaning chair and a cane. A banquet was held in his honor, and many officials gathered. Royal Spokesman (chungsa) and First Royal Secretary (tosŭngji) Yi Hŭigyŏm 李希儉 (1516–1579) presented the royal wine. Recorder (chusŏ) Yi Chun 李準 (1545–1624) presented the dictum, chair, and cane. Third State Councilor (uŭijŏng) No Susin, Sixth State Councilor (chwach’amch’an) Wŏn Hon 元混 (1505–1597), Prince of Yŏsŏng Song In 宋寅 (1516–1584), Chief Magistrate of Hanyang (p’anyun) Kang Sŏm 姜暹 (1516–1594), Second Minister of Punishments (Hyŏngjo ch’amp’an) Pak Taerip 朴大立 (1512–1584), and Third Magistrate of Hanyang (uyun) Kim Kye 金啓 (1528–1573) attended. As the Second Minister of Taxation (Hojo ch’amp’an), I took the last seat.At that time, Hong’s mother, the daughter of former Chief State Councilor (yŏngŭijŏng) Song Chil 宋軼 (1454–1520), was eighty-seven years old. Hong’s late father, Hong Ŏnp’il 洪彦弼 (1476–1549), had also received a chair and cane while serving as Chief State Councilor. This made Hong’s mother a daughter, wife, and mother of Chief State Councilors. Receiving such honor multiple times was an extraordinary and unprecedented event. During the banquet, No Susin wrote the following poem, 三從不出相門闈此事如今始有之更拄省中靈壽杖却被堂上老萊衣恩霑雨露眞千載歡接冠紳盡一時何處得來叨席次愧無佳句賁黃扉 Fulfilling the Three Obediences, your mother did not leavethe Chief Ministers’ gates.It is only today that an honor such as this has come into conception.At the court, you hold the cane of longevity.And at home, you put on the clothes of Old Master Lai!May rich favors rain and dew upon you for a thousand years!Let us joyfully celebrate this occasion through and through. Who am I to comeand occupy a seat? What a shame to have no beautiful poem to adorn a Yellow-Painted Gate!I also wrote the following poem, 几杖鴻恩罕此邦相公家慶更無雙傳三議政官槐棘奉大夫人福海江滿座榮光花映席騰空喜氣酒盈缸一時盛事應須記安得鋪張筆似杠 The royal gifting of a chair and cane is a rare occasion in our kingdom.The celebration of your family is indeed without equal.Continuing for three generationsthe highest office of Chief State Councilor,you serve your mother with blessings like oceans and rivers.Honored guests fill the seats decorated with beaming flowers. Joyful air rises to the sky, and wine jars are filled to the brim.A wonderful event such as this deserves recording.Where might I find a brush as thick as a rafter? Prince of Yŏsŏng, Song In was Hong Sŏm’s cousin. He followed and composed a narrative record as well as a long regulated verse. The rest of us also followed his lead and composed some narratives and some regulated verses. Hong ordered a painter to create a depiction of the event, and Song wrote down all our compositions on the back of the painting. The painting is kept as their family treasure. Hong Sŏm’s mother passed away at the age of ninety-four, and Hong himself at the age of eighty-two this year. Their good fortunes are truly unmatched in this world. Original annotation: At the banquet, there were two pots of artificial flower arrangements and ten jars of royal wine.r arrangements and ten jars of royal wine.)
E124 + (1. Kim Chongjik (sobriquet Mun’gan [Bamboo … 1. Kim Chongjik (sobriquet Mun’gan [Bamboo Slip Writing]) composed a poem while visiting Son Kŭkkyŏm’s 孫克謙 (15th century) forest garden. It reads, 十室卑湫地閑園數畒荒松爲一柱觀菊作百和香小砌蘭承露踈籬杮得霜主人年八十燕坐惜頹光 Ten rooms in the low-lying waterland,this peaceful garden has just a few barren ridges and furrows. A pine stands tall as the One Pillar Watchtower.Chrysanthemums diffuse the Hundred Harmonious Fragrance. At the small brick house, orchids are drenched in dews.Along the sparse bamboo hedge, persimmons are covered in frost. The master, now eighty years old, sits in peace and cherishes the remaining years. This is a poem about an old man in a country garden. His poem “Staying Overnight at Tapkye station” 宿踏溪驛 reads, 古樹獰飆攪荒林片月孤官胥來督傳郵婦泣供廚鼠竄殘殘戶星馳急急符誰知燈影下危坐恨非夫 Ancient trees tremble at fierce winds.Over the barren forest, a lone crescent moon gleams.A minor officer arrives with an urgent message.The post officer’s wife sobs in the kitchen.A rat scurries off out of the house,as quickly a shooting star sent a sudden notice.Who can understand under the flickering lampsitting up straight and loathing for not being a man? This is a poem about feeling abandoned at the post station. The poem “Quick Clearing of a Rain at Cheun Tower” 齊雲樓快晴 reads, 雨脚看看取次收輕雷猶自殷高樓雲歸洞穴簾旌暮風颭池塘枕簟秋菡萏香中蛙閣閣鷺 1. 影外稻油油憑欄更向頭流望千丈峯巒湧玉虯 The pouring rain is slowing down. A light thunder still echoes at the high tower.Clouds return to the caves, and dusk falls on the curtain.Winds brush over the pond, and autumn comes to the bamboo mat. Amid the fragrance of lotus, frogs croak “kak kak.”Far from the shadows of egrets,the rice grows with luster. Leaning on the railing, I gaze at the Turyu Mountain.Mountain peaks, a thousand feet tall, protrude like an emerging dragon. This poem depicts the scenery observed from a city tower after a rain shower. His poem “After a Snow, Leaving Kobu for Hŭngdŏk” 雪後發古阜向興德 reads, 一夜湖山銀界遙瀛州郭外馬蕭蕭村家竹盡頭搶地野樹禽多翅綴條沙浦烟痕蒼海岸笠岩霞氣赤城標臘前已是饒三白想聽明年擊壤謠 Overnight, Mt. Ho turned into a distant silvery world.Outside Yŏngju’s city wall, horses snort and neigh.In village homes, bent bamboo tips touch the ground.In trees in the fields, a flock of birds huddle together on branches.Sandy Riverbank is cloaked in mist that stretches out into the blue sea.Bamboo Hat Rock shrouded in rosy fog is the border of the Red City.Before the year’s end, we already had three snowfalls. Next year, I want to hear people singing, striking the earth. This poem describes taking a stroll after a snowfall. Reading the scenery here is like viewing a painting (yŏhwa).y here is like viewing a painting (yŏhwa).)
E208 + (1. Kim Chŏng (sobriquet Ch’ungam [Humble H … 1. Kim Chŏng (sobriquet Ch’ungam [Humble Hut]) had a reputation for his poetic skills during his lifetime. However, most of his works were lost, and only a few have survived. One of his poems, “An Evening Gaze” 晩望, reads, 秋陰起將暝迢遞倚荊扉虛莽夔魖悄冥烟島嶼微眼穿孤鳥盡思逐片雲依一葦豈云遠人遐自未歸 Autumn clouds rise as the sun goes down.Lost in thought, I lean on the bramble gate.In the wild thickets, mountain goblins are quiet.Shrouded in mists, islands appear hazy.My eyes are fixed on a lone bird.My thoughts drift with a wisp of cloud.A barge—how can you call it far away?Yet people are distant and have not returned. His poem “River South” 江南 reads, 江南殘夢晝厭厭愁逐年芳日日添雙燕來時春欲暮1. 杏花微雨下重簾 In a fleeting dream of river south, the day goes on and on.My sadness, chasing vernal fragrances, grows day by day.When a pair of swallows arrive, spring deepens.Apricot blossoms fall in a light rain outside the double screen. His poem “Feeling the Mood” 感興 reads, 落月臨荒野寒鴉下晩村空林烟火冷白屋掩荊門 Sinking moon closes in on the wilderness.Jackdaws descend on an evening village.In the empty forest, smoke and fire are rare.The bramble gate of the thatched house is shut.ramble gate of the thatched house is shut.)
E209 + (1. Kim Chŏng once visited Ch’ongsŏk Pavili … 1. Kim Chŏng once visited Ch’ongsŏk Pavilion in T’ongch’ŏn and composed six poems. A prefect later destroyed Kim’s poetry plaque, causing us to lose two of the six poems. I once read in the Tongin sihwa (Easterners’ Remarks on Poetry) by Sŏ Kŏjŏng that a poem by Kim Chidae (sobriquet Yŏnghŏn [Heroic Decree]), written at Ŭisŏng’s official lodge, became a most relished (hoeja) work during that time. Later, the building was burnt down during a war, and the plaque destroyed along with it. Several decades later, the daughter of prefect O Chŏkchang 吳迪莊, who lost her sanity and spoke incoherently, suddenly recited Kim Chidae’s poem. The ghosts, too, loved the poem and allowed it to be known again throughout the world. Unfortunately, it is a pity that no ghost in T’ongch’ŏn loves poetry in the same way. Therefore, I now record the four remaining poems. 絶嶠丹崖滄海陬孤標夐邈卽蓬丘硬根直揷幽波險削面疑經巧斧修鼇柱天高殘四片羊碑峴占杳千秋鶴飛人去已寥廓目斷碧雲空自愁 On the cut-off hill, vermillion cliffs meet the blue sea.A lone summit stands in the distance near Penglai Island.Your firm roots reach straight down to the deep and perilous waters.Your carved surfaces resemble the workof a skillful axe. The pillar on the giant sea turtle, reaching to the sky, left behind four pieces.Yang’s Stele on the steep hill has remained silent for a thousand years. Cranes have flown away and people have departedinto the silent vastness. I gaze at the azure clouds. This emptiness brings sadness on its own. 千古高皐叢石勝登臨寥落九秋懷斗魁鏟彩墮滄海月宮借斧削丹崖巨溟欲泛危巒去頑骨長衝激浪排蓬島笙簫空淡佇夕陽搔首寄天涯 On the thousand-year-old highland stands the magnificent Ch’ongsŏk Pavilion.Ascending it at times,with a heart full of late autumn. The Big Dipper, like a shining spade, fell into the blue sea,and with an axe borrowed from the Moon Palace carved the vermilion cliffs. I yearn to sail across the deep sea towards perilous mountains.Firm and resolute, I push forward against the charging breakers.Penglai Island’s music of pipes, empty and bland, I await.In the sunset, I scratch my head, leaning on the horizon. 八月十五叢石夜碧空星漢淡悠悠飛騰桂影昇天滿搖漾銀光溢海浮六合孤生身一粒四仙遺躅鶴千秋白雲迢遞萬山外獨立高邱杳遠愁 On the fifteenth day of the eighth month,a night at the Ch’ongsŏk Pavilion.In the azure sky, the River of Stars shines faint and serene.The soaring reflection of the cassia-tree moon rises and fills the sky.The rippling silvery lights float on the brimming sea.Alone in the six directions, I am but a single grain.The four immortals left behindthe cranes that live for a thousand years.White clouds in the distance drift beyond ten thousand mountains.The lofty hill standing alone is immersed in remote melancholy. 雲沒秋晴淡碧層淸晨起望太陽昇光涵海宇初呑吐彩射天衢忽湧騰幽窟老龍驚火焰深林陰鬼失依憑人間昏黑從今廓欲向崦嵫爲繫繩 Cloudless clear autumn sky, a faint layer of blue.In the clear morning, I gaze as the sun rise.The light-soaked expanse of the ocean begins to spew out the sun.Colors shoot across the sky, suddenly surging and billowing.Startled, ancient dragons in hidden caves belch out flames.The ghosts of thick forestslose their places of rest.The darkness in the human worldwill now fade away. I wish to ascend Yanzi Mountainand tie you there with a rope.nzi Mountainand tie you there with a rope.)
E211 + (1. Kim Chŏng’s two quatrains “Presented to … 1. Kim Chŏng’s two quatrains “Presented to the Recluse in the Market Pak Kyegang 朴繼姜 (16th century)” 贈市隱朴繼姜 are, 看渠詩思入湖山剛壓紅塵十丈頑大隱從來非曲徑市中壼日亦仙班 I see his poetic thoughtsentering Lake Mountain,treading down on the red dustrising ten feet tall.Great hermits never take the winding paths.In the market, living inside a magic gourd,you, too, are a kind of immortal. 懶倚紗窓春日遲紅顏空老落花時世間萬事皆如此叩角狂歌誰得知 Idly, you lean on the veiled window as the spring day passes slowly.Youthful faces age in vain, and now it’s time for the flowers to fall.Myriad affairs of this world all end in this way.Strike your horn and sing madly,but who would pay attention?However, it is recorded in the Ch’ugang naenghwa (Satirical Remarks of Ch’ugang) that the second quatrain was a poem presented to a scholar named Han by a blue-robed old man during the Hongzhi reign. It must have been when Pak Kyegang visited Kim with a scroll asking for poems, and Kim wrote this poem down for fun since its meaning happened to suit Pak.un since its meaning happened to suit Pak.)
E246 + (1. Kim Ilson 金馹孫 (1464–1498; sobriquet T’a … 1. Kim Ilson 金馹孫 (1464–1498; sobriquet T’agyŏng [Washing the Hat Strings]) made a name for himself with his writings. Nam Kon often said, “The poetry of Pak Ŭn’s 朴誾 (1479–1504; sobriquet Ŭpch’wihŏn [Attracting Kingfisher Terrace]) and the prose of Kim Ilson deserve to be called a superb class.” Kim’s collection of prose is popular in the world, but his poems are rarely discussed. A regulated verse by him at Kwansu Tower in Samga prefecture, Kyŏngsang province, reads, 一縷溪村生白烟羔羊下佸謾爭先高樓樽酒東西客十里桑麻南北阡句乏有聲遊子拙杯斟無事使君賢倚欄更待黃昏後觀水仍看月到天 From a village with a threadlike stream rises white smoke.Young goats descend the hill in a flock, vying to be the first.At a tall tower, around flasks of wine, gather the guests from east and west.Along ten li, mulberry and hemp fields stretch out to north and south. Words are few, and this traveler only makes clumsy remarks.I raise my cup with a carefree heart to the prefect who is a worthy man.Leaning on the railing, I wait longer until the sun setsand gaze at the water until the moon reaches the sky. Readers can clearly see, between his poetry and prose which is better.ween his poetry and prose which is better.)
E264 + (1. Matching the Imperial envoy Wang He’s p … 1. Matching the Imperial envoy Wang He’s poem “Paeksang Tower” 百祥樓, Chŏng Saryong wrote, 江天物像媚晴曦嵐重煙沉頓失奇半壁劍峰渾滅沒四圍風幔只低垂酒因陶寫寧辭累筆為牢籠欲放退強和陽春才告盡捻須終日費吟思 In the sky and over the river, all things gleam under the bright sunlight.Heavy mountain mists and thick smoke suddenly shroud all traces.Precipitous cliffs and pointy peaks blend and vanish.The wind screens all around could only hang low.Since the wine makes us cheerful, we’d better continue.But the brushes are stuck and want to be dismissed.Trying to match “spring season,” I reach my limit.Stroking my beard all day, I struggle for poetic ideas. Chŏng asked me to present it to Wang, who read it three times and said, “Truly his learning is as boundless as the ocean.”is learning is as boundless as the ocean.”)
E175 + (1. Presently, Im Ŏngnyŏng 林億齡 (1496–1568; … 1. Presently, Im Ŏngnyŏng 林億齡 (1496–1568; sobriquet Sŏkch’ŏn [Rock River]) is renowned for his poetry. When someone requested a poem on wine and chose the rhyme word “sweet” 甘, Im immediately responded, 老去方知此味甘 Now that I am old I realize that this wine tastes sweet.The person again chose “three” 三 as a rhyme word, and Im replied, 一盃通道不須三 With a single cup, I reach the Way, so why do I need three? Once again, the person called out “man” 男 as a rhyme word, and Im replied, 君看嵇阮陶劉李不羨公侯伯子男 Please take a look at Ji, Ruan, Tao, Liu, and Li. They did not envy dukes, marquis, earls, viscounts, or barons. These are truly amazing (ki) works. After admiring these verses, I wrote a poem using the same rhymes as a way to caution posterities. 曾聞大禹飮而甘嗜酒全身十二三勿把一盃宜戒愼須知遠色是貞男 I once heard the Great King Yu thought the wine was sweet.Lovers of wine, preserve their lives,only two or three out of ten.Don’t even take a single cup without exercising caution. Know that distancing oneself from the love of sexmakes you a true man. I have reversed the meaning of Im’s poem, but my own verse is far inferior to his., but my own verse is far inferior to his.)
E126 + (1. Prince of Talsŏng, Sŏ Kŏjŏng’s sobrique … 1. Prince of Talsŏng, Sŏ Kŏjŏng’s sobriquet was Saga (Four Excellences). His quatrain “Reading Collected Works of Wang Anshi” 讀王荊公集 reads, 杜鵑當日哭天津天下蒼生萬事新相業早知能誤世半山端合作詩人 On that day, the cuckoo cried at the Tianjin Bridge,and for the failed candidates under Heaven, all was made new.Had he known his ministerial work could ruin the world,Half Mountain would have been a perfect fit to be a poet. The poem contains much critical views (ŭiron). The last couplet of another quatrain reads, 白石細沙幽澗裏亂蟬喬木淺山中 White rocks and fine sand are in the secluded valleys.Booming cicadas and tall trees are in the low mountains.He also wrote, 一塲春夢無關鍵歸及故園山水春 I dreamed a dream of spring, and nothing was holding me back.I returned to my old garden, to the mountains and waters of spring.He also wrote, 曲欄西畔鉤簾看躑躅半開山雨來 On the west edge of the curved railing, through the curtain I gaze. Azaleas are half in bloom. A rain falls on the hills. Also, 燕子日長無客到黃薔薇下戱兒孫 The swallows grow daily, but no visitors come.Under the yellow rosebush, grandchildren are at play. His techniques (sudan) are still considered formidable (ch’ŏnjang). Even in short poems like these, his carefree and charming (hanch’wi) style is exceptional.Also, he wrote “Snow” 雪, 禪家初喜皎然至詩壘還逢白也來羞作顚狂春後絮相從淡薄臘前梅 The monks were first delighted that “Brightness” arrived.The poets then discovered that “Whiteness” had also come. Ashamed of becoming the wild catkins of late spring,you befriend the elegant plum blossoms before the year’s end.egant plum blossoms before the year’s end.)
E207 + (1. Since ancient times, it has been the ca … 1. Since ancient times, it has been the case that women’s duties in our Eastern Kingdom are limited to cooking and weaving, and literary pursuits have been considered improper. Therefore, eventhough there have been women with outstanding literary talents, they concealed them and did not fully exert themselves. How deplorable! We do not hear of any such woman writers from the Three Kingdoms period. During the five hundred years of the Koryŏ dynasty, there were only Udol 于咄 (13th century), a kisaeng from Yongsŏng, and Tonginhong 動人紅 (13th century), a kisaeng from P’aengwŏn, who knew poetry. In our dynasty, we have Lady Chŏng, Lady Sŏng, and Lady Kim. Their poems have become widely known but are soft (wiyak) and lack sufficient vigor (ki). However, Lady Chŏng’s poem, 昨夜春風入洞房一張雲錦爛紅芳此花開處聞啼鳥一詠幽姿一斷腸 Last night a spring breeze entered my nuptial chamber,bringing to my sheet of cloud brocadethe fragrances of shining pink petals.Where the flowers bloom,I hear a weeping bird,singing each tune with sequestered charms,for each broken heart. Lady’s Sŏng’s poetic lines are as follow, 眼帶雙行淚胸藏萬里心 From my eyes run two streams of tears.My bosom hides a heart that wanders a thousand li. 門外紅桃一時盡愁中白髮十分新 Outside the gate, pink peach blossoms Have withered all at once. In sorrow my gray hairs grow always anew. And Lady Kim’s poem goes as follows, 境僻人來少山深俗士稀家貧無斗酒宿客夜還歸 In this secluded place, few visitors come.In the deep mountains, worldly scholars are scarce.In my destitute home, there is no wine to offer,An overnight guest returns at night.These poems are more or less well-crafted.These poems are more or less well-crafted.)
E247 + (1. Statute Law Clerk (kŏmnyul) Ham Chaye’s … 1. Statute Law Clerk (kŏmnyul) Ham Chaye’s 咸子乂 (c. 1419) poem “On Ch’oksŏk Tower” 題矗石樓 reads, 山自盤環水自流幾年興廢此江頭彷徨更惜曾遊處昨是春風今是秋 The mountains surround. The waters flow.For how long have fortunes changed at this river beach?Strolling leisurely, I cherish even more this place I visited before.Last time there was a spring breeze. This time it is autumn. The poem is nailed to the wall and is relished (hoeja) by people. Still, the third line particularly lacks vigor (kiryŏk). Why is it that people call it a poetic masterpiece (chŏlch’ang)? Is it because for a humble person like him to write such a poem is a great achievement? write such a poem is a great achievement?)
E261 + (1. Sŏ Kŏjŏng wrote a poem to match a poem … 1. Sŏ Kŏjŏng wrote a poem to match a poem by the imperial envoy Qi Shun. The poem reads, 金岩日暖初楊柳劍水春寒未杜鵑 At Golden Rock, the sun is warm,and willows begin to bud.At Sword River, the spring is cold, and cuckoos have not yet returned.Hwang Yŏhŏn 黃汝獻 (b. 1486; sobriquet Yuch’on [Willow Village]) could not stop praising the beauty of the couplet.When I told about this to Chŏng Saryong, he said, “There’s something sickly about these words. I don’t understand why it is beautiful (mi). One line is boastful and the other suppressed. The messages of the two are uneven.” After returning home, I pondered over Chŏng’s criticism. Then I realized that the parallelism (tae) in this couplet is entirely borrowed from a poetic expression (siŏ) by a Yuan dynasty poet. However, the two lines in Sŏ Kŏjŏng’s poem are entirely different from the original one. In the original one, the expressions “begin” 初 and “not yet” 未 are appropriate. But from Golden Rock to Sword River, one can leave in the morning and arrive in the evening, so how can there be a difference of “warm sun” 日暖and “cold spring” 春寒? This discrepancy can indeed be described as sickly (pyŏng) words (ŏ). Chŏng’s words should be deemed correct.). Chŏng’s words should be deemed correct.)
E183 + (1. The Tongin sihwa (Easterners’ Remarks o … 1. The Tongin sihwa (Easterners’ Remarks on Poetry), compiled by Sŏ Kŏjŏng, reads, “During the reign of King Kongmin of Koryŏ, Chief Minister Yu Suk 柳淑 (1324–1368; sobriquet Saam [Thoughtful Hut]) wrote a farewell poem to a friend who was returning to his hometown after resignation. The poem goes as follows, 人間膏火自相煎明哲如公史可傳已向危時安社稷更從平地作神仙五湖夢斷烟波綠三逕秋深野菊鮮顧我未能投紱去邇來雙鬢雪飄然 In the world, with greased torches people burn each other.A wise man like you deserves to be remembered in history. Already, in this dangerous time, you brought stability to the Gods of the Land and Grain.Now you return to a peaceful land to become an immortal. At the Five Lakes, you awake from your dreams, where misty waters are green.In the Three Trails, autumn is deep, where wild chrysanthemums are fresh.I look at myself, who still cannot leave the office behind.Lately, the hair on my temples has become sprays of snow.Sin Ton slandered Yu before the king, citing his use of terms like “wise man,” “Five Lakes,” which led to Yu’s execution.” The Ch’ŏnggu p’unga 靑丘風雅 (Airs and Odes from the Blue Hills), compiled by Kim Chongjik, also records this poem. But there, it states the poem was written by Yi Inbok 李仁復 (1308–1374) on the occasion of bidding farewell to Yu Suk. In the annotation by Kim at the end of the poem, Kim writes, “Initially, the last line of the poem was 西風塵土意茫然 Westerly wind blows over the dusty realmwith endless desires.” Out of fear that Sin Ton might see it, Yi later changed it to “Lately, the hair on my temples has become sprays of snow.”” Sŏ Kŏjŏng and Kim Chongjik were both well-read individuals, and their chronologies are not far apart. How is it not strange that their accounts differ in this way? But, if Sin Ton did indeed use the poem to speak ill of its author before the king, then it is evident that the poem was indeed written by Yu Suk.hat the poem was indeed written by Yu Suk.)
E220 + (1. There were many lowly women in the past … 1. There were many lowly women in the past who encountered poets and whose names were thus immortalized. For Du Fu, it was Fourth Lady Huang; for Li Shangyin, Lady Willow Branch; for Bai Juyi, a merchant’s wife; and for Huang Tingjian, Guoxiang. These were truly rare poetic events and brought great fortune to those women. In recent times, there was a kisaeng named Sangnimch’un 上林春 (mid-15th century) from Hanyang who was a renowned zither player at that time. She once caught the attention of Sin Chongho 申從濩 (1456–1497), the Second Minister of Personnel (ch’amp’an), who presented the following poem to her, 第五橋頭楊柳斜晩來風日轉淸和緗簾十二人如玉靑鎖詞臣信馬過 At the Fifth Bridge, poplars and willows sway.In the evening, the wind and sunturn everything clear and calm.Playing the twelve silk stringsis a jade-like fair lady. The poetry official from the palace of green windows lets his horse take him to her place. Reaching the era of the Jiajing emperor (1507–1567; Chungjong 2–Myŏngjong 22), she had surpassed seventy years of age. She asked Yi Sangjwa 李上佐 (mid-16th century) to paint a picture of that event and wrote Sin Chongho’s poem on it. She also requested poems from scholar-officials, and Chŏng Saryong (sobriquet Hoŭm [Lake Shade]) wrote a regulated verse for her. His introductory note reads, “The zither player kisaeng Sangnimch’un is seventy-two this year, and her skills have not waned. When her heart is saddened by past events, she immediately sets aside the plectrum and sheds tears. There is much melancholy in her tune. Every time she comes and asks for a poem, wishing to leave her name behind. Moved by her earnest request, I write a regulated verse.” The poems reads, 十三學得猗蘭操法部叢中見藝成遍接貴遊連密席又通宮籍奏新聲嬌鶯過雨花間滑細溜侵宵澗底鳴才調終慚白司馬豈能商婦壽佳名 At thirteen, you learned to play the Tune of Elegant Orchid.Among the crowd at the music academy,your talent stood out.Befriending the nobles, you joined seats with them.Advancing to the royal registry, you played new tunes.Like a charming oriole after rain,singing smoothly among the flowers,like a rapid in the depth of nightechoing at the bottom of a brook,your talent and style ultimately surpassed even the poet Bai Juyi.For how could a merchant’s wife attain lasting fame? Kim An’guk wrote the following quatrain for her, 容謝尙存傾國手哀絃彈出夜深詞聲聲似怨年華暮奈爾浮生與老期 Your beauty has faded, yet your hands retain the talent that captivates the nation.Sorrowing strings play the Late-Night Song.Note after note, you seem to mournthe passing of youthful years.What to do when a drifting life meets with old age?Many wrote poems matching his rhyme, and she put them together into a long poetry scroll. Ah! The fortune of her encounter certainly is not less than that of other women, such as Du Fu’s Fourth Lady Huang. women, such as Du Fu’s Fourth Lady Huang.)
E268 + (1. When Cho Sasu went to Cheju Island as m … 1. When Cho Sasu went to Cheju Island as magistrate, Im Ŏngnyŏng presented him with the following poem, 嘗登南岳望孤島海中央舟楫西通浙驊騮上應房爲官何異謫此別最堪傷 Once I climbed South Mountain and gazed at a lone island in the middle of the sea.From there, boats can sail westward to reach the Zhe River. Fine horses soar and respond to the Star of Room.How does serving as an official there differ from exile? This parting is truly heart-rending. I cannot recall the final couplet, so I am unable to record it. Scholar-officials all agreed that the poem had an air (kisang) of the ancients. poem had an air (kisang) of the ancients.)
E250 + (1. When Minister Chŏng Kwangp’il 鄭光弼 (1462 … 1. When Minister Chŏng Kwangp’il 鄭光弼 (1462–1538; sobriquet Munik [Literary Wings]) was exiled to Kimhae, Kyŏngsang province, he composed the following poem on the road, 積謗如山竟見原此生無計答天恩十登峻嶺雙垂淚三渡長江獨斷魂漠漠遠山雲潑黑茫茫大野雨翻盆暮投臨海東城外茅屋蕭蕭竹作門 Slanders, piled up like a mountain, were at last vindicated.In this life, there is no way I can repay the king’s great favor.Ten times I ascended steep mountain ranges, with tears streaming down from both eyes.Three times I crossed long rivers, feeling alone like a lost soul.Over the hazy distant mountain clouds hang in dark ink splashes.On the boundless open field, rain pours as if from an overturned basin.In the evening, I arrive by the sea,outside the eastern wall of the city,at a desolate thatched hut with bamboo serving as a door.It is true that “where virtue exists, language corresponds.” His grandson, Minister Chŏng Yugil (sobriquet Imdang [Forest Pond]), carries on his grandfather’s poetic techniques (sibŏp), just as Du Fu followed the footsteps of Du Shenyan 杜審言 (c. 645–708). footsteps of Du Shenyan 杜審言 (c. 645–708).)
E759 + (A couplet in a Tang poem reads, 三人告母猶投抒百犬聞 … A couplet in a Tang poem reads, 三人告母猶投抒百犬聞風只吠聲 When three men told the mother, even she abandoned the shuttle. When a hundred dogs hear the wind, all you hear is barking sound. Although the poet suffered from vilification and slander, his grudge was excessive. If compared to a line in Song Siyŏl’s poem, 登天手摘星辰易處世身無毀謗難 Climbing to the sky and hand-picking the stars is easy.Living in the world without being defamed is difficult. The expression is exceedingly sorrowful (sanggam), yet simple and vigorous (honhu) without being overly revealing (pullo). Shouldn’t poems be like this?ing (pullo). Shouldn’t poems be like this?)
M068 + (A painting cannot be owned by everyone. A poem can reach everywhere. If a poem reads like a painting, it befits to be known for ten thousand years.)