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E366 + (The poems on Ch’ŏnggan Pavilion in Kansŏng … The poems on Ch’ŏnggan Pavilion in Kansŏng were all composed using the words, “pair” 雙 and “window” 窓, and of them Yang Saŏn’s 楊士彦 (1517–1584; sobriquet Ch’anghae [Blue Sea]) was especially superior (ko). 碧海暈紅窺日半蒼苔岩白煙鷗雙金銀台上發高嘯天地浩然開入窓 A red disc in the blue sea, I see half of the sun.Over the white rocks covered in green mosses is a pair of mist and gull.On the gold and silver platform, I let out a loud whistle.The boundless heaven and earth enter through the window. When someone showed the poem to Yi Hubaek, Yi said, “Even if someone had a similar idea, that person surely would not be able to surpass this.” My late father also responded to the poem using its rhymes, 疏雨白鷗飛兩兩夕陽漁艇泛雙雙擬看暘谷金鳥出畫閣東頭不設窓 Through a sparse rain, white gulls fly two by two.The setting sun and a fishing boat float as a pair.To watch from the sunlit valleythe rising Golden Bird,on the east side of the painted pavilion, they didn’t make a window. People all praised it. Kim Ch’ŏmgyŏng 金添慶 (1525–1583) wrote two poems in response when he was a governor (kwanch’alsa). One of them reads, 可惜鴻門玉斗撞紛飛片片不論雙化成白鳥群千百日出呶呶鬧客窓 What a pity! At the Hong Gate,the jade chalice was knocked down. It shattered into pieces without any pair!Transformed into white gulls in flocks of hundreds and thousands,at sunrise they “Caw, caw,” noisily at every window. Another one said, 好景紛紛左右撞馬頭紅粉亦雙雙 Beautiful scenery one after another knocks me down from left and right.At the dock, fair ladies are also seen in pairs. I cannot remember the last verse. Below the poems, someone wrote, “How laughable is Kim Ch’ŏmgyŏng, knocking down one after another, left and right.” Those who saw it ridiculed Kim.nd right.” Those who saw it ridiculed Kim.)
E040 + (The poet Yang Yunpeng 楊雲鵬 (13th century; s … The poet Yang Yunpeng 楊雲鵬 (13th century; sobriquet Feiqing [Flying Minister]) of late Jin wrote a poem titled “Red Trees” 題紅樹, which reads, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M079|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]Rosy ocean clouds do not bring rain and hover above the woods.<br> A wildfire without wind reaches the treetop.</div></br>Yi Changyong 李藏用 (1201–1272; posthumous sobriquet Munjin [Literary Truth]) also wrote, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M080|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]The desolate courtyard is in and out of view. Autumn thoughts are bitter.<br> Stumbling upon a low hill, the sunset is radiant.</div></br><div class="critique-text">[[C049|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle critique-link-btn"></span>]]I bet Yang would bow the knees to this.</div>a fa-plus-circle critique-link-btn"></span>]]I bet Yang would bow the knees to this.</div>)
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.)
E334 + (There was a plum tree called “Yamen Plum” … There was a plum tree called “Yamen Plum” at Tansok Monastery in Chiri Mountain, and it was known to have been planted by Kang Hoebaek 姜淮伯 (1357–1402; sobriquet T’ong Pavilion). Cho Sik wrote the following poem about it, 寺破僧羸山石古先生自是未堪家化工定誤寒梅事昨日開花今日花 The temple in ruins, the monks lean, the mountain rocks ancient.This is not a place, you sir, can call home.The Maker must have made a mistake with your plum blossoms.Blooming yesterday, blooming today.The poem mocks Kang’s disloyalty.ng today.The poem mocks Kang’s disloyalty.)
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.)
E300 + (These days, the study of poetry focuses pr … These days, the study of poetry focuses primarily on late Tang poetry, and pays no attention to Su Shi’s poetry. When Chŏng Saryong heard this, he remarked, “It is not because Su is inferior (pi), but because they fail to understand him.” Yi Hwang 李滉 (1501–1570; sobriquet T’oegye [T’oe Stream]) also said, “How could Su’s poetry fall short of late Tang poetry?” In my humble opinion, I also believe Su Shi’s poems, such as, 豈意靑州六從事化爲烏有一先生 Could it be that six jugs ofQingzhou’s Attendant Official wineturned into oneMr. Nothing! 凍合玉樓寒起粟光搖銀海眩生花 On the frozen jade towers, my shoulders are chilled with goose bumps.In the shimmering silvery seas, dazzles turn into blooms. 風花誤入長春苑雲月長臨不夜城 Petals in the winds mistakenly enter the Eternal Spring Garden.The cloud-covered moon at last arrives at the City That Never Sleeps. I don’t know of one late Tang poem that can match the outstanding (kijŏl) wonder of these poems! During the Koryŏ dynasty, every list of successful examination candidates said, “We have selected thirty-three Su Shi.” The literature of Koryŏ was superior (u) to that of our dynasty, and since Su was honored as the teacher of all teachers, his poetry cannot be considered inferior. If we look down on his character, then how many late Tang poets were worthier than Su? Minister Yi Hwang spoke highly of Su’s poetry and often recited the following lines, 雲散月明誰點綴天容海色本澄淸 Strewn clouds and a bright moon. Who beautifully displayed them up there?The face of the sky and the colors of the sea are crystal clear by nature.In many of his own poems, Yi used expressions (ŏ) by Su. own poems, Yi used expressions (ŏ) by Su.)
E358 + (Tutor (kyogwan) Chŏng Chak showed me Yun C … Tutor (kyogwan) Chŏng Chak showed me Yun Ch’unnyŏn’s 尹春年 (1514–1567; sobriquet Ch’angju [Blue Islet]) poem “A Farewell in the Autumn of the Imja Year” 壬子秋贈別, 文章有正脈意音為之主此道久不傳已矣如聾瞽性情本湛然惟意能鼓舞哀樂各相應表裏元一矩元氣信浩然大樂安有譜調切寄文字節奏應鐘鼓嗟余讀古書十年勤自苦一朝幸有得敢謂如目睹鄭子雖年少其心甚慕古相從已屢問自愧無所補養氣以為本讀書以為固血氣苟不盛萬卷終鹵莽願君聽殷勤我言出肺腑豈徒作文法學道從此取今君有遠行寂寞歸南土追隨應久廢別離那可數贈言欲效古我才非李杜徘徊不忍別秋風動江浦 In literary composition, there is a correct path—Meaning and rhyming are essential.For long this Way has not been taught,and we have already become like the deaf and the blind.Natural temperament is inherently clear.Only meaning can move us to drum and dance.Joy and sorrow respond to each other.Outside and inside are one at the beginning. Primordial energy is surely unbound.How can there be a score for great music?Play and rest both follow the words.Rhythm responds to bells and drums.Ah! I read the classics, striving for ten years and suffering alone.One morning, I fortunately understood them.I dare say it was like eyes could finally see.Mr. Chŏng! Although he is young in age,His heart truly admires the ancients. In our meetings, you asked me many questions,But I am sorry I was not much of a help.Be rooted by nurturing the vital energy.Be resolute in studying the books. If your physical energy is not strong,ten thousand books will eventually be wasted.I wish you listen with affectionthese words that come from the bottom of my heart.Why would this only apply to composition?Learning of the Way should be sought in this.Today you embark on a long journey,returning alone to the southern land.Hereafter, we must be long downcast.How can we speak of farewell?I present these words, wishing to emulate the ancients,though I surely am not Li Bai or Du Fu.Pacing around, I cannot bear to part.Autumn wind moves the river. Chŏng Chak was just twenty years old at the time, yet Yun Ch’unnyŏn already acknowledged him in this way. The poem has great stylistic progression (kudo) worthy of esteem.istic progression (kudo) worthy of esteem.)
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>)
E385 + (When Chŏng Ch’ŏl was Director (nangjung) i … When Chŏng Ch’ŏl was Director (nangjung) in the Board of Personnel (ibu), Chŏng Chiyŏn 鄭芝衍 (1527–1583) was a supernumerary official (wŏn’oerang). Later, when Chiyŏn became a Chief Minister, Chŏng Ch’ŏl in drunkenness presented him the following quatrain, 樽前豈識今丞相醉後猶疑舊佐郎 Before I drank, didn’t I know that you are the current Chief Minister? After I get drunk, I still wonderif you are the old Assistant Section Chief.f you are the old Assistant Section Chief.)
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.)
E351 + (When Kim An’guk was at the Yŏ River, Yi Ch … When Kim An’guk was at the Yŏ River, Yi Cha 李耔 (1480–1533) from Ch’ungju and Yi Changgon 李長坤 (b. 1474) from Uman came to Sillŭk Monastery and there met with Kim and spent the night. Kim Allo, who was in power at the time, said, “Dismissed high-ranking officials have gathered to discuss state affairs. They shall be heavily punished.” Yi Changgon then went down to his villa in Changnyŏng, and Yi Cha also did not dare to return. In a poem presented to a monk, Kim An’guk said, 三年廢把東臺酒明月滄江定怪嗔為問山僧休亦笑償愆須及百花春 I have not held for three years a wine cup at the East Terrace.The bright moon and the blue river must think it strange.I ask a monk in the mountain, “Please stop laughing at me also.This loss can be made good witha spring of a hundred flowers.”e good witha spring of a hundred flowers.”)
E095 + (When Kim Sisŭp 金時習 (1435–1493; sobriquet T … When Kim Sisŭp 金時習 (1435–1493; sobriquet Tongbong [Eastern Peak]) read books, he did not confine himself to the literal meaning of specific passages but sought out the main points and savored (mi) the principles. I once wrote “Laments of a Campaigning Soldier” 征夫怨 in ten quatrains, matching the rhymes of Yuan Haowen’s 元好問(1190–1257; sobriquet Yishan [Yi Mountain]) poem. One of them said, 百草凋霜月滿空年年鞍馬任西東令嚴萬幕平沙夜部伍相招鼓角中 Above the frostbitten grassy plain, the moon fills the sky.Year after year, horsemen campaign east and west.Commands are solemn in thousands of tents in the desert at nights.Soldiers call each other amid the sound of drums and pipes. When Kim read it, he burst into laughter, saying, “You made an error. How can they call each other when the commands are solemn?” He then showed me the Xiaoya 小雅 (Minor Odes) of the Shijing (Classic of Poetry), which said, “When you go on a campaign, not a peep can be heard. Indeed, you will achieve great success.” Deeply impressed by his words, I returned and told Hong Yuson what had happened. Hong marveled at Kim without end.appened. Hong marveled at Kim without end.)
E074 + (When King T’aejong 太宗 (1346–1422) was youn … When King T’aejong 太宗 (1346–1422) was young, he studied for the civil service examination. In the imsul year of Sin U 辛禑 (1382), he became a Literary Licentiate (chinsa) as the secundus. In the following kyehae year (1383), he successfully passed the civil service examination. Among his co-graduates were Kim Hallo 金漢老 (b. 1367) as the primus, Sim Hyosaeng 沈孝生 (1349–1398) as the secundus, and King T’aejong won the tenth place. Yi Rae 李來 (1362–1416), Sŏng Pu 成傅 (15th century), Yun Kyu 尹珪 (1365–1414), Yun Sasu 尹思修 (1365–1411), Pak Sŭp 朴習 (d. 1418), and Hyŏn Maengin 玄孟仁 (15th century) were also among his fellow graduates.After ascending the throne, King T’aejong arranged for Kim Hallo’s daughter to become the wife of Crown Prince Yi Che’s 李禔 (1394–1462). Every time he met Kim, the king addressed him as the primus and not by his name. King T’aejong once composed a poem on a fan, 風榻依時思朗月月軒吟處想淸風自從削竹成團扇朗月淸風在掌中 Reclining on a summer bed, I yearn for the bright moon.Writing at a moonlit terrace, I long for a cool breeze. From carving the bamboo a round fan is formed.The bright moon and cool breeze are in the palm of my hand. Since ancient times, there have been few literary figures who accomplished the grand task of founding a kingdom. Among the writings of emperors and kings, none exhibits the deft craftsmanship (kigyo) found in this poem. It employs allegory through objects and is infused with subtle meanings (ŭi) and charm (ch’wi). This is something only a sage can achieve.This is something only a sage can achieve.)
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.)
E884 + (When Yi Sik was about twenty years old, he … When Yi Sik was about twenty years old, he was not yet well-known. His brother-in-law Sim Changse 沈長世 (1594–1660) was serving as Prefect of Puan county in Chŏlla province, and Yi came to visit his own mother-in-law. At the time, Hŏ Kyun happened to be in exile there. Hŏ presented a regulated verse to Yi, and its fifth and sixth lines read, 皓首身千里黃花酒一杯 A white-haired man, a thousand li away from home,drinks a cup of wine by the chrysanthemum flowers. Yi responded to it, 旅跡無常策窮愁共此杯 On a traveler’s journey, I have no fixed plans.Let’s share this cup in the depths of sorrow. Hŏ praised him greatly and said that Yi would later become the Director of the Office of Royal Decrees (taejehak). Yi became renowned because of the event.. Yi became renowned because of the event.)
E370 + (When my late father was appointed to admin … When my late father was appointed to administer Kosŏng, Sin Ŭngsi wrote the following farewell poem, 高城為郡久邑里太蕭條西望山皆骨東臨海不潮丹砂招葛老鳬舄送王喬柱笏吟詩處兼無簿領囂 Kosŏng is an old county.Its towns are awfully bleak.Gazing west, the mountains are All Bones.Facing east, the seas do not surge.Cinnabar beckoned Old Ge.Flying shoes sent Wang Qiao away.Where you lean your chin on the tablet and write poems,there you will also have no clamor of official documents.also have no clamor of official documents.)
E387 + (When the Japanese enemies flooded in durin … When the Japanese enemies flooded in during the Imjin War, King Sŏnjo 宣祖 (1567–1608) luckily moved west and appointed Chŏng Ch’ŏl, who at the time was in exile, to the position of Supreme Commander of Province (toch’ech’alsa). Upon receiving the order, Chŏng traveled south and arrived at Kŭmsa Monastery in Changwŏn, Hwanghae province, where he stayed for over ten days before traveling again. It was autumn in the ninth month. Overcome with emotion (kamgae), Chŏng wrote the following regulated verse, 十日金沙寺三秋故國心夜潮分爽氣歸雁送哀音虜在頻看劍人亡欲斷琴平生出師表臨難更長吟 Ten days at Kŭmsa Monastery,in late autumn, my heart is for the country.Evening tides give off a cool air.Returning geese deliver sad sounds.With enemies around, swords are often seen.As people perish, I wish to cut my zither strings.My whole life, I read the “Campaign Memorial.”Now that trouble is here, I slowly chant it again. trouble is here, I slowly chant it again.)
E292 + (Whenever imperial envoys come, the staffer … Whenever imperial envoys come, the staffers at the post stations in P’yŏngan province remove all poetry plaques except for the one by Chŏng Chisang, which is hung at the Boat Pavilion by the Taedong River. The plaque reads, “When the rain stops, the long riverbanks turn luxuriantly green” 雨歇長堤草色多. Chŏng Saryong commented, “In Yi Saek’s poem on Pubyŏk Tower, there are the lines, 昨過永明寺今登浮碧樓城空月一片石老雲千秋… Yesterday, I passed Yongmyŏng Monastery.Today, I ascend Pubyŏk Tower.Over the empty city, a crescent moon.Around the ancient rock, clouds of a thousand years.…These lines are absolutely ingenuous (myojŏl) and moving (tongin). The poem even made the imperial envoy Ni Qian stomp his feet in praise. How can it be considered inferior to Chŏng’s poem??” Therefore, Yi Saek’s plaque was left and not removed.Yi Saek’s plaque was left and not removed.)
E001 + (Writing emerged in the East when Kija, the … Writing emerged in the East when Kija, the Grand Tutor of Shang, came to be enfeoffed here. However, since it was so long ago, nothing can be known about the writers from that period. The [[B026|<span class="keyword book"><i>Yaoshantang waiji</i> 堯山堂外記 (Unofficial Records from the Hall of Yaoshan)</span>]] provides detailed notes on [[P024|<span class="keyword person">Ŭlchi Mundŏk’s 乙支文德 (ca. 612)</span>]] literary achievements, including a five-character quatrain he presented to the Sui General Yu Zhongwen, which reads, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M001|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]Your divine strategies probe the heaven’s patterns.<br>Your wondrous tactics exhaust the earth’s principles.<br>The battle is won. Your merit is towering.<br>Know that you have done enough and please call it an end.<br></div> <div class="critique-text">[[C001|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle critique-link-btn"></span>]]His composition method (<i>kuppŏp</i>) is [[CT001|<span class="keyword critical-term">marvelous and classical (<i>kigo</i>)</span>]], and there is no trace of the habit of [[CT002|<span class="keyword critical-term">ornamental (<i>kiryŏ</i>) embellishment</span>]]. How could dispirited writers of later generations hope to achieve this?</div> <br>Note: [[P024|<span class="keyword person">Ŭlchi Mundŏk</span>]] was a minister of [[H002|<span class="keyword era">Koguryŏ</span>]]. era">Koguryŏ</span>]].)
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.)
E394 + (Yi Hangbok resigned from his position as M … Yi Hangbok resigned from his position as Minister due to illness. I urged him to continue to work, then he wrote me this recent style poem in response, 中興作者足謀謨老子何堪聖世需自識孔君元齟齬誰言呂相不糊塗時名短拙關心少身計差池入手殊卻怪晉家王太傅白頭猶道宦情無 As for revival, schemers can sufficiently devise strategies.How can this old man bear the needs of a sagely rule? I realize Scholar Konghad a hard time as an official. Who said Grand Chancellor Lü was not indecisive?Momentary fame is so shallow, I couldn’t care less. Plans unexpectedly fail,and whatever I do goes wrong.I wonder if the Jin dynasty’sGrand Preceptor Wangin his gray hair still said he had no desire for official service.aid he had no desire for official service.)
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.)
E003 + ([[Ch’oe Ch’iwŏn's]] (sobriquet Koun [Solit … [[Ch’oe Ch’iwŏn's]] (sobriquet Koun [Solitary Cloud]) [literary] merit was unprecedented. Therefore, scholars of [[the East]] all regard him as the progenitor [of literature]. His poem [[“A Pipa Tune” 琵琶行]] is classified in the [[Tang yin yi xiang 唐音遺響 (Lingering Echo of the Sound of Tang)]] as an anonymous work. Later generations remain undecided on its authenticity. Some say that the line, </br><div class="poetry-text">[[M003|<span class="fa fa-plus-circle poetry-link-btn"></span>]]Over [[Dongting Lake]], the moon goes down, and a solitary cloud returns home.</div></br>proves his authorship, but that alone is insufficient evidence to settle the debate. [[“A Letter to Condemn Huang Chao”]] drafted by [[Ch’oe]] is not included in official histories. It is said that when [[Huang]] read the line, “Not only do all the people of the empire openly wish for your destruction, but the ghosts of the underworld also have devised a secret plan to eliminate you,” he fell from his chair in surrender. Had it not been a writing that makes the ghosts weep and startles the wind, how could [[Ch’oe]] have reached this level? Yet his poems are not considered [[lofty (ko)]]. It must be because he entered China during the [[Late Tang period]].)
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.)

C002 + (Lofty and ancient (''kogo''), robust and s … 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.as a female sovereign is truly remarkable.)

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.)
E203 + (1. A poem by Third Minister-without-portfo … 1. A poem by Third Minister-without-portfolio (chisa) An Ch’im’s “Lingering Tower in Yŏngam County” 靈巖郡徘徊樓reads, 徘徊樓上月徘徊客子徘徊亦快哉玉兔幾年仙藥搗素娥何處鏡奩開搖波散百東坡水對影成三太白盃直到夜深天似洗好風吹送桂香來 Over the Lingering Tower the moon lingers.This wanderer also lingers,Oh, how pleasant it is!How many years has the Jade Hare pounded immortal elixir?Where does the Mood Goddess open her mirror box? Undulating ripples scatter and become one hundred Su Shi. Before the shadow, there truly are three Li Bai.We linger late into the night. The sky appears washed and clean.A pleasant breeze wafts the fragrances of cassia toward us. At the time, it was regarded as an excellent poem. However, “one hundred Su Shi” 東坡百 and “three Li Bai” 太白三 are originally expressions coined by Yi Kyubo. An Ch’im also wrote a poem on Ch’angnyŏng’s Autumn Moon Studio, and one of its couplets reads, 搖波散百東坡水對影成三太白盃 Undulating ripples scatter and becomeone hundred Su Shi.Before the shadow, there truly arethree Li Bai. What is so new (sin) about these expressions (ŏ) that he repeatedly used them?ressions (ŏ) that he repeatedly used them?)
E129 + (1. According to the Minghuang zalu 明皇雜錄 (M … 1. According to the Minghuang zalu 明皇雜錄 (Miscellaneous Records of Enlightened Sovereign), during the time when Lady Guoguo enjoyed the emperor’s favor, she seized Wei Sili’s house to expand her mansion but eventually returned it to Wei. Later, a tree hit by a storm fell on the house, but the roof tiles remained undamaged. When Wei checked, they he discovered that they were all hardwood tiles. Yi Kyubo wrote this historical poem (yŏngsa), 雕成木瓦費何如虛葺人家竟未居不是韋公被豪奪天教虢國理韋廬 Carved wooden tiles,how costly were they?In vain, she embellished his house, only to never inhabit it.Wei’s house was not seized by an authority.Heaven had Lady Guoguo to carve and polish Wei’s humble hut!During the Koryŏ dynasty, royal wives and relatives seized and renovated people’s houses to add to their wealth, but then later returned them to the original owners. The poem comments on this practice.wners. The poem comments on this practice.)
E205 + (1. Among today’s military officials, those … 1. Among today’s military officials, those who can write poetry are only a few. However, none of their works are worth reading, except for Pak Hwigyŏm’s. When he was young and serving under Sin Sukchu’s command, Pak wrote the following poem, 十萬貔貅擁戍樓夜深邊月冷狐裘一聲長笛來何處吹盡征夫萬里愁 A hundred thousand fearless soldiers besiege the enemy’s lookout tower.Late at night, the moonlit frontier feels cold even with a fox fur coat.The sound of a bamboo pipe,from where does it come? It blows away the campaigning soldiers’ten-thousand-li worries. Later, he wrote the following poem “On the Fair Wind Terrace in Hŭngdŏk Prefecture” 題興德縣培風軒. 屹立亭亭萬仞峯峯頭高閣迥臨風地連蓬島三淸界人在瀟湘八景中雲帶山腰橫縹緲水涵天影接空濛忽看遠浦歸帆疾木道遙連漢水通 Towering high and upright is the peak soaring ten thousand yards. On its top stands a tall building facing the winds up high.The land below connects to Penglai Island and the domain of the Three Pure Ones.People are in Xiaoxiang,amidst their famous eight views.Clouds wrap the hillside in silky mists.Rivers hold the sky’s reflections meeting the hazy blue sky. Suddenly, I see near the distant shore a sail returning in haste.The long wood road connectsand leads to the Han River. Among the poems of military officials, such works are hard to come by.officials, such works are hard to come by.)
E224 + (1. At the end of the three-year mourning p … 1. At the end of the three-year mourning period for the death of his parent, during the Rite of the Removal of Mourning Robe, my great-great-grandfather wrote the following poem in his dream. 酸梨小洞古山阿廬墓三年一擲梭饘粥厭何疏食進衰麻纔着練冠加昊天罔極恩難報中月而行禫已過莫謂泉扃終寂寞五男俱在子孫多 The Sour Pear Small Grottorests in the ancient hills,where, tending the grave, three yearshave flown by like the throw of a weaver’s shuttle.Who would hate porridge and eat coarse grains instead?I now don sackcloth and wear a mourning cap. Infinite like the heavens,the grace of parents cannot be repaid.The period of mourning has ended,and the rite is now complete. Please don’t say in the underworldthat you feel lonely!For your five sons are all here and also many grandsons.sons are all here and also many grandsons.)
E086 + (1. Between the years of Chenghua (1465–148 … 1. Between the years of Chenghua (1465–1487) and Hongzhi (1488–1505), a certain scholar surnamed Han studied at the Tosan Temple in Yŏngan. An elderly man in a blue robe, begging for rice in the village, met Han and said, “You, a wretched scholar! What are you studying in such agony? All my life, I have been content begging for food.” Then he composed the following quatrain, 懶倚紗窓春日遲紅顏空老落花時世間萬事皆如此叩角謳歌誰得知 Idly I lean on the veiled window as the spring day passes slowly.Youthful faces have aged in vain, and now it’s time for the flowers to fall.Myriad affairs in this worldall go around this way.Strike your horn and sing madly,but who would understand your sound? Some people of the Eastern country said, “Since our country is small, anyone that has talent surely reaches his goal. How can one bemoan being a lost pearl in the ocean?” If what I hear today were like this, how many, like this elderly man that I had never heard about before, are there in the countryside and cities? Han is someone who studies and sincerely speaks about the sages, and he surely won’t utter empty words. He told me this. won’t utter empty words. He told me this.)
E212 + (1. Cho Sin was renowned for his talent fro … 1. Cho Sin was renowned for his talent from an early age. In the kihae year of the Chenghua reign (1479; Sŏngjong 10), he accompanied envoy Sin Sukchu on a goodwill mission to Japan based on recommendations from Hong Kwidal and Ch’ae Su. King Sŏngjong personally provided Cho with five topics and commanded him to compose poems on them. Additionally, each of the six royal secretaries was instructed to select difficult rhymes to test Cho’s abilities. Just before his departure, Hong Kwidal presented Cho with his poem “A Rhapsody on Cozy Hut” 適庵賦. Later, Cho retired and lived in Kŭmsan county in Kyŏngsang province. He produced a five-volume collection of poetry manuscripts, as well as a single volume titled Somun swaerok (Miscellaneous Records of Little-Known Things). His poem “Impromptu” 偶吟 reads, 三杯卯酒詫年稀手拓南窓一詠詩泉眼溢池魚潑剌樹林遶屋鳥來歸花生顔色雨晴後柳弄腰肢風過時誰道適庵無箇事每因節物未忘機 Three cups wine in the morning I brag I am in my seventies!Opening a south-facing window, I sing out a poem.In the bubbling pool from a spring, the fish splash!To a house surrounded by trees, the birds return.Flowers wear fresh colors after the rain clears.Willow branches sway their waists when the wind passes.Who says in my Cozy Hutthere is nothing to do?With every change of season, I still haven’t forgotten all motive. His own annotation reads, “Following the to-and-fro rhyme scheme (jint’oegyŏk 進退格), I incorporated ten words, including poetry 詩, wine 酒, trees 林, spring 泉, fish 魚, birds 鳥, flowers 花, and willows 柳.fish 魚, birds 鳥, flowers 花, and willows 柳.)
E253 + (1. Cho Sin wrote a regulated verse at a de … 1. Cho Sin wrote a regulated verse at a derelict Buddhist temple. The third couplet reads, 逕覆今秋葉廚餘去日樵 The trail is now covered with autumn leaves.In the kitchen are firewood from bygone days.His way of line composition (kuppŏp) is wonderfully outstanding (kijŏl). People recited the poem widely (chŏnsong). However, when Cho transcribed his works, he did not include this one. It is possible that he discarded it because he was not satisfied with his earlier works. was not satisfied with his earlier works.)
E259 + (1. Chŏng Saryong built a small house on th … 1. Chŏng Saryong built a small house on the bank of Chŏng Ferry in Ŭiryŏng county in Kyŏngsang province and displayed on the wall only three poems by Yi Haeng, Pak Sang, and Cho Sin. This demonstrates Chŏng’s respect for the three men. A couplet by Yi Haeng reads, 江湖魚得計鍾鼓鳥非情 The fish of rivers and lakes are content.The birds are not moved by the sound of bells and drums. Chŏng often praised these lines.nd drums. Chŏng often praised these lines.)
E216 + (1. Ch’oe Suksaeng’s 崔淑生 (1457–1520) poem “ … 1. Ch’oe Suksaeng’s 崔淑生 (1457–1520) poem “Ŭiju’s Ch’wisŭng Pavilion” 義州聚勝亭 reads, 馬蹄西海到窮陲百尺危亭近紫微且倚雕欄看勝景不敎珠箔障晴暉江橫鴨綠兼天淨柳暗鵝黃着雨肥忽憶玉堂身萬里蓬萊何處五雲飛 At the horse-hoof coast of West Sea,at its outermost rim,there is a pavilion a hundred feet above,close to the Purple Star.I lean on its carved railings and behold the marvelous view,not letting the beaded curtains block the radiant glow.The Amnok River flowing across fuses with the clear sky.Bright orange willow catkins plump up in the rain.Suddenly I realize from the Jade HallI am thousands of li away.Oh, where in Penglai do five-colored clouds fly? Minister So ordered me to read aloud the poems on the plaques. When I got to this poem, he nodded and said, “This old man’s poem deserves to be called a mature composition (sŏngjang).”However, Cho Wi wrote a matching poem that reads, 雄藩自古壯邊陲新搆華亭對翠微絶域雲烟來醉眼層城花柳媚春暉山圍廣野靑如畫雨過長江綠漸肥叵耐登臨還望遠歸心日夜正南飛 Since ancient times, this grand domainhas had formidable frontiers.A decorated pavilion was just built,facing the azure hills.Misty clouds of distant landsenter my drunken eyes.Flowers and willows of the mountain fortressflaunt their spring glow.The open field encircled by mountainsis green like a painting.After the rain passes over the long river, verdure grows darker.I couldn’t help but ascend the pavilion and gaze afar.My homebound heart, day and night, only soars to the south. In my humble opinion, how is Cho’s poem not on par with Ch’oe’s?how is Cho’s poem not on par with Ch’oe’s?)
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?)
E174 + (1. During the reign of King Chungjong 中宗 ( … 1. During the reign of King Chungjong 中宗 (r. 1506–1544), Sin Yonggae 申用漑 (1463–1519; sobriquets Iyojŏng [Two Joys Pavilion] and Munjŏng [Literary Scenery]) held the dual positions of Fifth State Councilor (uch’ansŏng) and Director at the Office of Royal Decrees (taejehak). Desiring to pass on the role of Director at the Office of Royal Decrees to Nam Kon, one day Sin had a conversation with Nam and requested a poem from him. Nam submitted the following verse, 楊柳陰陰欲午鷄忽驚窮巷溢輪蹄爭看風裁空隣舍促具盤筵窘老妻乘興但知傾藥玉忘形不覺挽鞓犀沈吟欲賦高軒過鄭重荒詞未敢題 Willows cast shadows. Roosters at midday are about to crow.Suddenly, my humble lane is flooded with carriages and horses.Trying to catch a glimpse of nobility, neighbors all come out of their homes.Hastily preparing a banquet, my old wife is anxious.When you made a surprise visit, I onlyknew I had to pour wine.Neglecting all formalities, I absentmindedly tighten my rhinoceros horn belt.Contemplating, I attempt to compose a poem on “The Tall Carriage Passes By”.But out of respect, my muddled words,I do not dare to write. Deeply impressed, Sin remarked, “My robe and alms bowl have found their rightful place.” Before long, Nam was appointed as the Director at the Office of Royal Decrees. This account is derived from Ŏ Sukkwŏn’s 魚叔權 (fl. 1520s–1550s) P’aegwan chapki 稗官雜記 (A Storyteller’s Miscellany). That day, Sin must have written a poem matching the rhymes of Nam, but it is not recorded in the P’aegwan chapki. Here, I dare to put myself in Sin’s shoes and offer a matching poem. 偶過高門見殺鷄淹留半日縶駑蹄瓊詞許以知音友斗酒謀諸擧案妻自擬方皐能相馬須煩溫嶠試燃犀欲傳衣鉢孚人望聲價無雙在品題 By chance, I passed through your lofty gate and was served a meal with slaughtered chickens. I lingered for half a day, tying my lowly horse.Precious words, you share with a friend who knows the sound of your heart.A flask of wine was prepared for all by your respectful wife.Thinking that Jiufang Gao can judge horses,I troubled Wen Qiao to light up the buffalo horns.I wish to pass on my robe and alms bowl to an esteemed one I trust.Your matchless reputation is evident in the quality of your poems.n is evident in the quality of your poems.)
E251 + (1. Grand Prince of Chinch’ŏn, Kang Hon, wa … 1. Grand Prince of Chinch’ŏn, Kang Hon, was in love with Ŭndaesŏn (Silver Tower Fairy), a kisaeng from Sŏngju. He presented to her with three quatrains. The second quatrain reads, 姑射仙姿玉雪肌曉窓金鏡畫峨眉卯酒半酣紅入面東風吹鬢綠參差 A fairy from Gushe Mountain,her skin like snow-white jade. By the dawning window, she holds a golden mirror and paints her lovely brows.After a hint of morning wine, a rosy blush spreads across her face.An easterly breeze blows, caressing her glowing dark tresses.When I met her, she was over eighty years old. With tears trickling down her face, she said, “Those ‘glowing dark tresses’ have now turned into white tresses.”sses’ have now turned into white tresses.”)
E219 + (1. Im Ch’un’s “A Kisaeng that Ran Away” 詠逃 … 1. Im Ch’un’s “A Kisaeng that Ran Away” 詠逃妓 reads, 紅粧待曉帖金鈿爲被催呼上綺筵不怕長官嚴號令漫嗔行客惡因緣乘樓未作吹簫伴奔月還爲竊藥仙寄語靑雲賢學士仁心不用示蒲鞭 Applying the rouge, you waited for the dawn, and adorned yourself with golden hairpins.Summoned hastily, you took your seat on the brocade mat.You are not afraid of officials issuing stern orders.Freely you complain to the guestsabout your ill-fated love. Ascending the tower, you did not becomea companion of the flute player.Instead, you eloped to the moon and became a fairy who stole the elixir!These are my words to noble and worthy scholars:Have a kind heart and don’t pull out the rush whip. The poem itself is excellent (ka), but the expression (ŏ) “rush whip” immediately disrupts the charm (p’ungun) of the boudoir. If he met a woman throwing the weaver’s shuttle, I am afraid he wouldn’t be as happy as Youyu with his broken teeth.e as happy as Youyu with his broken teeth.)
E217 + (1. In his Taedong sirim大東詩林 (Poetry Forest … 1. In his Taedong sirim大東詩林 (Poetry Forest of the Great East), Yu Hŭiryŏng 柳希齡 (1480–1552; sobriquet Mongwa [Dream Nest]) records his father Yu In’gwi’s 柳仁貴 (1463–1531; sobriquet Sujae [Sleep Studio]) poem “Staying Overnight at Naksaeng station” 宿樂生驛, 日夕衆山暗遠來投樂生征驢吃殘草老僕飯香粳索枕背燈睡把盃斟酒傾時時呼長老屈指問前程 As the sun sets, the mountains grow dark.Traveling from afar, I stay in Naksaeng for the night.My donkey grazes on withered grasses.My old servant prepares fragrant rice. Finding a pillow, I turn my back towards the lamp to sleep.Taking a cup, I pour and empty the wine.Time and again, I call the elderly manAnd, counting on my fingers, inquire about the road ahead. “My donkey grazes on withered grasses” indicates that he was journeying through a desolate area. How can then there be “my old servant prepares fragrant rice”? Also, he already turned his back towards the lamp to sleep, then how can he take a cup and do all that? Moreover, “take,” “pour,” and “empty” are all similar words. What is even more laughable is that he only stayed at Naksaeng station for a day. How then can he say, “Time and again, I call the elderly man”? The post station servant cannot be compared to a Buddhist monk or a Daoist master, then how can he be called an “elder”? The expression (ŏ) “counting on my fingers” originated from the phrase in the “Biography of Chen Tang” 陳湯傳 in the Han shu 漢書 (Book of Han), “Counting on my fingers the days ahead, I said, ‘In a few days, we shall hear the good news.’” However, inquiring about the road ahead and using the expression “counting on my fingers,” I cannot see the appropriateness of that either.ot see the appropriateness of that either.)
E275 + (1. In his poem dedicated to a kisaeng from … 1. In his poem dedicated to a kisaeng from Sŏwŏn, Song In (sobriquet Iam [Self-Nurturing Studio]) wrote, 臨分解帶當留衣教束纖腰玉一圍想得妝成增宛轉被他牽挽入羅幃 As we part, I loosen my sash, leaving it as a keepsake for you. Please tie it around your slender waist,with a jade pendant.I imagine it will adorn youto be even more charming.You will be led by another manand enter the veil of gauze. A wonderful poem in the style (ch’e) of Fragrant Chamber, it is lovely (kaae). of Fragrant Chamber, it is lovely (kaae).)
E254 + (1. In his poem “On Marquis Zhuge Liang” 詠諸 … 1. In his poem “On Marquis Zhuge Liang” 詠諸葛武侯, Yi Haeng wrote, 死生許國無遺力成敗論人是小兒 In life and death, he served the country till his strength was spent.Judging a person based on success or failureis infantile indeed. The critical view (ŭiron) is fair, and the expression (saŏ) is also original (sin). In his poem written in response to the imperial envoy Tang Gao, Yi wrote, 縹緲三山看覆鼎逶迤一帶接投金 Faintly visible, three peaks resemble an overturned tripod cauldron.A belt of meandering stream meets the Tossed Away Gold River. “Overturned tripod cauldron” is another name for Samgak (Three Peaks) Mountain and Yanghwa Ferry is also referred to as the T’ugŭm (Tossed Away Gold) River. The parallelism between the couplet therefore is wonderfully appropriate. Some say that the couplet was composed by Minister So Seyang.ouplet was composed by Minister So Seyang.)
E127 + (1. In his “Miscellaneous Poems on Songgyŏn … 1. In his “Miscellaneous Poems on Songgyŏng” 松京雜詠, Fourth Counselor (ŭnggyo) Yu Hoin 兪好仁 (1445–1494; sobriquet Noegye [Noe Creek]; styled Kŭkki) wrote, 茫茫海國水連天黃屋艱危四十年咫尺松京胡霧隔摩尼山上暗烽煙白日西沉性命屯蜀山萬里泣孤臣四朝苦節風霜裏一段經綸鬢似銀圓頂方袍污廟堂大庭白日奮忠腸長沙萬里瘴煙祟縱使公亡道不亡 In a kingdom in the boundless sea, where the water meets the sky,the royal household was in danger for forty long years.Towards Songgyŏngas Turkish fog approached,atop Mani Mountain, beacon fires were secretly lit. As the white sun sank west, lives became grim. In Shu Mountain, thousands of li away, a lone official shed tears.Serving four kings with unwavering devotionamidst winds and frost,after managing state affairs,his sideburns turned silvery white. Monks in shaved heads and robes defiled the Confucius shrine. At the grand court, toward the white sun,he raised his faithful heart to the king.Thousands of li away in Changsha, he suffered from the miasma.Though he perished, the Way will never perish.gh he perished, the Way will never perish.)
E197 + (1. In the city of Yŏnghae, there is a moun … 1. In the city of Yŏnghae, there is a mountain range called Sŏŭp (West Weeping). According to popular belief, crossing this ridge for the first time would bring about misfortune to official envoys. Thus, all avoided crossing it. When Son Sunhyo 孫舜孝 (1427–1497) became the governor of Yŏnghae, he defied this belief and immediately went up to the ridge. He removed the bark from an old tree and wrote the following poem, 汝揖華山呼萬歲我將綸命慰羣氓箇中輕重誰能會白日昭然照兩情 You bow to Mt. Hwaand shout “Long live!”I will follow the king’s order and comfort the people.The weight of our calling,who can truly understand?The radiant sun clearly illuminates both of our hearts.As a result, the name of the ridge was changed to P’agoe (Destroying the Uncanny) Hill.d to P’agoe (Destroying the Uncanny) Hill.)
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.)
E190 + (1. In the imsin year of the reign of Zheng … 1. In the imsin year of the reign of Zhengde (1512; Chungjong 7), a Japanese envoy came to our capital and fell ill. He and wrote the following poem, 東國館門外四屏山暮春塵埋床下屨蛛網架頭巾枕有思鄉淚門無問病人滄波萬里客惆悵未歸身 Outside the guest house in the Eastern Kingdom,four screening mountains are in late spring.Straw sandals are collecting dust under the bed,and the head scarf has cobwebs.My pillow is soaked with tears shed missing home.At the gate, there is no visitor for this sick person.A wanderer from ten thousand li of sea is in gloom unable to return.The Pacification Commissioner (sŏnwisa) at the time did not stop praising the poem, and the poem was recited widely (chŏnsong) throughout the capital. Upon closer examination, it appears that a monk from the late Tang dynasty composed a similar poem about his dwelling, 枕有思鄉淚門無問疾人塵埋床下履風動架頭巾 My pillow is soaked with tears shed missing home.At the gate, there is no visitor for this sick person.My shoes are collecting dust under the bed,and the winds sway the head scarf on a rack.It just so happened that a Censor (pusa) came across the monk’s poem and reported his situation to the court. Subsequently, the court ordered all monasteries to estalish a House of Recovery (Yŏnsuryo 延壽寮) to take care of monks’ illnesses. The Japanese envoy’s poem used the two couplets by the sick monk, and simply switched the first and the second couplets, and changed the words “shoes” to “straw sandals” and “the winds sway” to “cobwebs.” Those in the capital who spread and recited (chŏnsong) the poem wre likely not well-read, while the Pacification Commissioner lacked discerning eyes. This is truly a laughable matter.ng eyes. This is truly a laughable matter.)
E201 + (1. In the kisa year during the reign of Zh … 1. In the kisa year during the reign of Zhengde (1509; Chungjong 4), there was a magistrate in Samga county in Kyŏngsang province. I cannot recall his name, but he was corrupt and cruel in governance. He fell ill and died. When his coffin was about to depart for the burial site, a county man posted a poem on the front of the coffin, 冥間五鬼虐烝民帝使天羅殺毒身從此閭閻愁怨絶堯天舜日太平春 The Five Demons from the underworld tormented the people,and God threw a net from Heaven and killed the venomous one!Henceforth, the villagers’ worries and resentments will end.Under Yao’s sky and Shun’s sun, there will be the springtime of Great Peace. When the governor (kwanch’alsa) heard this, he said, “The magistrate was certainly wrong, but the county man who wrote the poem also was not right either.” He ordered an investigation and the arrest of the poet but could not capture him in the end. As for the poem, although it is not refined (kong), it nevertheless serves as a warning for corrupt officials.serves as a warning for corrupt officials.)
E194 + (1. In the pyŏngo year of the Chenghua reig … 1. In the pyŏngo year of the Chenghua reign (1486; Sŏngjong 17), while crossing the Pakch’ŏn River for the second time, Supervisor Qi Shun composed many poems. In one of them, he used “water chestnuts” 菱 as the rhyme word in the last line. Sŏ Kŏjŏng matched Qi’s poems, and they composed and exchanged a total of twelve poems each. In the final line of his poem, Sŏ wrote, 南望達城家萬里夢魂長繞故園菱 Gazing south to Talsŏng, home is ten thousand li away.In my dreams, my spirit roams around the water chestnuts in the old garden. Qi questioned, “Water chestnuts are not plants that grow in gardens. What then does this line refer to?” The interpreter stepped forward and explained, “Official Sŏ’s home is in a water region known for abundant water chestnut production. That is why he mentioned it in his poem.” Qi replied, “If that is the case, then it is acceptable.” Sŏ was using “the old garden” to refer to his hometown, which ultimately is not well suited.town, which ultimately is not well suited.)