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E020 + (One night, in a dream, someone handed me a … One night, in a dream, someone handed me a small bottle-shaped water dropper made of green jade. When tapped, it emitted a delicate sound. It had a round bottom, a pointed top, and two miniscule holes. When I looked again, however, the holes had disappeared. I woke up with a strange feeling and wrote a poem to interpret the dream. 夢中得玉甁綠瑩光鑑地扣之鏗有聲緻潤宜貯水剩將添硯波快作詩千紙神物喜幻化天工好兒戲脗然飜閉口不受一滴沘有如仙石開罅縫流靑髓須臾復堅合不許人容指混沌得七竅七日乃見死怒風號衆穴萬擾從此起鑽瓠憂屈轂穿珠厄夫子凡物貴其全瓠鑿反爲累形全與神全要問漆園吏 In a dream I received a jade bottle,its green radiance reflecting on the ground.When tapped, it produced a resounding sound,delicate and smooth, suitable for holding water. I’ll use it replenish an inkstone,and swiftly compose poems on a thousand sheets of paper. This enchanted object revels in transformations.A creation of Heaven, embracing child’s play.The bottle opened wide, then abruptly sealed shut. Now it refuses to accept even a single drop of water!It seemed like an immortal’s stone, unsealed,revealing its green marrow within, then in an instant, it closed firmly once again,allowing no room, not even a finger!Hundun received seven orifices,and after seven days, he met his demise. Furious winds howled through the apertures,and from there, myriad troubles arose. Drilling holes in the gourd caused concern for Qugu.Stringing the bead brought distress to Master Confucius.All things are valuable in their wholeness.Piercing the gourd would only destroy it. To understand the wholeness of form and spirit,ask the official in the Lacquer Garden.it,ask the official in the Lacquer Garden.)
E034 + (Orator (taech’uk) O Sejae satirized King Ŭ … Orator (taech’uk) O Sejae satirized King Ŭijong’s travel incognito in a poem, reading, <blockquote class="font-weight-light my-2" style="padding-left: 2em; padding-right: 2em; line-height:110%">How come, on this clear day,dark clouds cover the ground? Citizens of the capital, Don’t come near!For the dragon is moving among us!</blockquote>His poem “Halberd Rocks” 戟巖 written to someone’s rhyme reads, <blockquote class="font-weight-light my-2" style="padding-left: 2em; padding-right: 2em; line-height:110%">The jagged rocks of North Mountain,people call you Halberd Rocks. Towering, you strike the crane riding Prince Jin. Soaring, you pierce the shaman in the sky.Lightning’s fire forged your handles.Frost-like salt whetted your blades. Shall I wield you as a weapon to conquer Chu and save Fan!</blockquote> His poem “Ailing Eyes” 病目 reads, <blockquote class="font-weight-light my-2" style="padding-left: 2em; padding-right: 2em; line-height:110%">Old age and illness arrive together.All my life, I’ve lived as an unwaged scholar. Blurring vision has dimmed my eyesight.My pupils have lost their glow. I’m frightful of reading under a lampand scared of seeing snow’s glare.I will check the exam results in a while, then close my eyes and learn to forget all motive.</blockquote> Yi Kyubo (sobriquet Munsun [Literary Flow]) said that 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. The Kim kŏsa chip 金居士集 (Collected Works of Recluse Kim) hasPart one poem by O which reads, <blockquote class="font-weight-light my-2" style="padding-left: 2em; padding-right: 2em; line-height:110%">A hundred-span round timber, is useful because it’s useless. A three-foot long beak speaks without speaking.</blockquote> His seasoned robustness (nogŏn) is worthy of admiration.blockquote> His seasoned robustness (nogŏn) is worthy of admiration.)
E395 + (Our country’s Western Capital has scenic s … Our country’s Western Capital has scenic spots along the rivers and lakes with viewing towers where scholars and ladies play music. When imperial envoys visit there, they always linger and forget to return, and some even end up acting unruly in indulgence. The Koryŏ scholar Chŏng Chisang’s poem reads, 雨歇長堤草色多送君南浦動悲歌大同江水何時盡別淚年年添綠波 When the rain stops, the long riverbanks turn luxuriantly green. Seeing you off at Namp’o moves me to sing sad tunes. The waters of the Taedong River, when will you run dry? Tears at parting each year add to blue breakers. The poem was fervently circulated in its time, and now it is esteemed as a poetic masterpiece (chŏlch’ang). In the kyŏngjin year of the Wanli reign (1580; Sŏnjo 13), Ch’oe Kyŏngch’ang became Superintendent of Post Station (ch’albang) of the Taedong River and Sŏ Ik 徐益 (1542–1587) became Assistant Magistrate (sŏyun) of P’yŏngyang, and both were poets. Following Chŏng Chisang’s rhymes, they wrote “Lotus Picking Song” 采蓮曲. Ch’oe’s poem reads, 水岸悠悠楊柳多小船遙唱采菱歌紅衣落盡西風起日暮空江生夕波 Along the riverbanks that extend on and on, there are lots of willows. From small boats far away, people sing “Water Chestnut Picking Song.” After the red petals have all fallen, the winds rise from the west. At dusk, in the empty river, evening waves swell. Sŏ’s poem reads, 南湖士女采蓮多曉日靚裝相應歌不到盈裳不回棹有時遙渚阻風波 At South Lake, beautiful ladies pick lots of lotus flowers. In the morning sun, ladies with painted faces respond to each other in songs. Until their skirts are full, they will not turn their boats around. At times, distant islets hold back the winds and waves. After that, Ko Kyŏngmyŏng and Yi Tal (styled Ikchi) also wrote responding poems. Ko’s poem reads, 桃花晴浪席邊多搖蕩蓮舟送棹歌醉倚紅妝應不忘小風輕颺幙生波 On the clear waves, peach petals float by my seat in abundance. From the swaying lotus boat rings out a boat song. The beauty in red rouge, tipsy and leaning, he must not have forgotten. A breeze gently lifts the veils to make ripples. Yi’s poem reads, 蓮葉參差蓮子多蓮花相間女郎歌來時約伴橫塘口辛苦移舟逆上波 Lotus leaves are here and there. Lotus seeds are bountiful. Amid lotus flowers, young girls sing. To keep the promise made with friends to meet at the mouth of the dike, they onerously push the boat up against the waves. All of them were great (ka) poems of their generations, but I believe the one by Yi was the most excellent (u). the one by Yi was the most excellent (u).)
E829 + (Our dynasty had Kwŏn P’il and Yi Annul, ju … Our dynasty had Kwŏn P’il and Yi Annul, just as the Tang dynasty had Li Bai and Du Fu and the Ming had Li Panlong 李攀龍 (1514–1570; styled Yulin) and Wang Shizhen (styled Yuanmei). Moreover, Yi Annul admired Kwŏn P’il, just as Du Fu admired Li Bai and Wang Shizhen admired Li Panlong. As a youth, when I wrote poems, I did not dare to show them to people without having them corrected by Kwŏn. When the news of Kwŏn’s death reached me, I wrote the following couplet, 浩蕩神農藥蕭條大禹謨 Great and mighty were Shennong’s medicines.Cool and indifferent were the plans of Great Yu. When passing the Eastern Gate where he lost his life, I wrote another poem, 行過郭東花落處故人詩骨至今悲 Passing the outer wall of the East Gate where the flower fell,the poetic remains of the departed are tragic even to this day. It was one word for one tear drop.s day. It was one word for one tear drop.)
E674 + (Our dynasty has seen very few monks who co … Our dynasty has seen very few monks who could write poetry, and Ch’amnyo 參寥 (16th century) alone was the best. A poem he presented to someone said, 水雲蹤迹已多年針芥相投喜有緣盡日客軒春寂寞落花如雪雨餘天 Following your trace through rivers and clouds,it’s been many years.Like a magnet and metal filings, I am glad we have a friendship of destiny.All day long, at the guest house, spring feels lonesome.Flowers fall like snow in the sky cleared of rain. Robust and concise (chun’gyŏl), the poem is savory (yumi).se (chun’gyŏl), the poem is savory (yumi).)
E625 + (Our dynasty’s poetry greatly flourished du … Our dynasty’s poetry greatly flourished during the era of King Chungjong. Starting with Yi Haeng, poets Pak Sang, Sin Kwanghan, Kim Chŏng, and Chŏng Saryong, all appeared together within the span of a single generation and shone brightly and resounded deeply. Surely, they deserve to be praised throughout the ages.deserve to be praised throughout the ages.)
E626 + (Our dynasty’s poetry was made complete dur … Our dynasty’s poetry was made complete during the reign of King Sŏnjo. No Susin mastered Du Fu’s poetic methods, and Hwang Chŏnguk subsequently thrived. Ch’oe Kyŏngch’ang and Paek Kwanghun followed the model of Tang poetry, and Yi Tal spread this trend. My late brother Hŏ Pong’s Free Style poetry (gexing 歌行) was like Li Bai’s, and my sister Hŏ Nansŏrhŏn’s poetry precisely entered the realm of High Tang poetry. After them, Kwŏn P’il (styled Yŏjang) appeared late and vigorously pursued the former worthies and could compete with Yi Haeng shoulder to shoulder. O, how wonderful!ng shoulder to shoulder. O, how wonderful!)
M003 + (Over [[Dongting Lake]], the moon goes down, and a solitary cloud returns home.)
E577 + (Paek Kwanghun was known as the best in Chŏ … Paek Kwanghun was known as the best in Chŏlla province for his poetry and cursive calligraphy. When he visited Puyŏ county, the county magistrate invited him to a boat party with kisaeng from Kongju. When Paek arrived, it was found that he was a poor student with an ugly appearance and uncouth manner. One kisaeng named Changbon 將本 (16th century) was good at telling jokes, and she said, “I had heard Paek Kwanghun’s fame was greater than a mountain. Now I that I see him, it was the Dragon Angling Platform!” The White Horse River in Puyŏ had the Dragon Angling Platform, named after the place where Su Dingfang 蘇定方 (592–667) caught a dragon using a white horse as bait, but it was only a small piece of rock. Contemporaries regarded the kisaeng’s words as an effective description (sŏn hyŏngyong). Paek’s short poem became also well-known at the time, 靑山重疊水空流不是金宮即玉樓全盛至今無處問月明潮落倚孤舟 Blue mountains pile up high. Waters flow in the open. There is no golden palace, only a jade pavilion.About its glory days now there is nowhere to ask. The moon is bright. The tides have ebbed. I lean from a lonely boat. As I see it, his poetry also was like the Dragon Angling Platform. His son, Literary Licentiate (chinsa) Paek Chinnam 白振南 (1564–1618), also followed his father’s steps. He was good at cursive calligraphy and could write a little poetry.lligraphy and could write a little poetry.)
E673 + (Paek Taebung 白大鵬 (d. 1592) was also good a … Paek Taebung 白大鵬 (d. 1592) was also good at poetry. He was once a Keeper of the Palace Keys (sayak), and the people of his class all imitated him. His poetry followed the style of Meng Jiao and Jia Dao, and hence was dry, simple, (kodam) and weak (wi). Because of this, whenever Kwŏn P’il saw people imitating late Tang poetry, he would say, “That is the style (ch’e) of the Key Keeper,” to mock his feebleness (yak).Key Keeper,” to mock his feebleness (yak).)
E731 + (Pak Changwŏn’s 朴長遠 (1612–1671; styled Chun … Pak Changwŏn’s 朴長遠 (1612–1671; styled Chunggu) literary talent matured early. When he was twelve years old, his father’s best friend who was born in the imja year (1552) was sentenced to exile. At the farewell gathering, the elders asked Pak to write a poem and he immediately composed the following poem, 前後生同壬子年去留心事此離筵天無竟日雷霆怒莫恨潮州路八千 We were born in the imja year, you first then I.You will leave and I will stay. My heart hangs heavy at this farewell feast.Heaven does not, for the whole day, send thunderbolts in rage.So please don’t be distressed by eight thousand-li road to Chaozhou. Pak was also born in the imja year, and people said he was a special child. Once as a Fourth Censor (chŏngŏn) Pak took the monthly examination and wrote the quatrain “A Parent-feeding Crow” 反哺烏, 士有親在堂貧無甘旨具微禽亦動人淚落林烏哺 I have elderly parents at home.Being poor, nothing of sweet taste can I offer.A little bird can also move people.Tears drop watching a parent-feeding crow in the woods. When King Injo read it, he asked, “Are his parents alive?” Royal Secretary (sŭngji) returned and reported, “He only has a widowed mother.” The king said, “Reading his quatrain, I can sense that his sincerity and filial piety are not ordinary. A loyal and filial family incites admiration. The analogy of wind and tree has grieved people since antiquity.” Then he ordered the officials to provide special provision of rice and clothes to Pak, so that he would be spared from the pain of insufficiently serving his parent. This was an exceptional fortune. Pak’s maternal grandfather Sim Hyŏn 沈誢 (1568–1637), who had been First Secretary (tojŏng), was seventy years old when Manchu invasions happened and followed the king to Kanghwa Island. When he heard that the enemy soldiers had already crossed Kapkot, he took a brush and wrote a memorandum to the king before ending his life. Then both he and his wife hanged themselves. Pak presented that memorandum to King Injo. The king read and praised it, and ordered a memorial gate to be built in Sim’s honor. That is why he said “a loyal and filial family.” Pak’s sobriquet is Kudang (Long Time Hall), and he is a good friend of mine.me Hall), and he is a good friend of mine.)
E042 + (Pak Hang’s 朴恒 (1227–1281; sobriquet Munŭi … Pak Hang’s 朴恒 (1227–1281; sobriquet Munŭi [Literary Finesse]), <blockquote class="font-weight-light my-2" style="padding-left: 2em; padding-right: 2em; line-height:110%">Even on a low hill beat with a white sun, a rain can pour down. Over an old fortress covered in yellow sand, a rainbow suddenly appears.</blockquote> An Hyang’s 安珦 (1243–1306; sobriquet Munsŏng [Literary Completion]),<blockquote class="font-weight-light my-2" style="padding-left: 2em; padding-right: 2em; line-height:110%">A pigeon wings through a morning rain in the field of wild grass.A horse gallops through a spring breeze in a city brimming with flowers.</blockquote> Assistant Royal Secretary (milchik pusa) Kim I’s 金怡 (d. 1317), <blockquote class="font-weight-light my-2" style="padding-left: 2em; padding-right: 2em; line-height:110%">Where a wisp of dark cloud hovers, on which mountain does it rain?When the fragrant plants are lush, there is a breeze all day long.</blockquote> All of these phrases are excellent (ka). It is regrettable that I cannot see the complete poems of these poets.ent (ka). It is regrettable that I cannot see the complete poems of these poets.)
E458 + (Pak Hwigyŏm was from the time of King Sejo … Pak Hwigyŏm was from the time of King Sejo. As a student, he passed the military examination and became a minor military officer. He joined the northern expedition and attained meritorious accomplishments. He did not engage in self-promotion, but instead retired and lived in Ch’ŏn’an, Ch’ungch’ŏng province. His poem “Old General” 老將 reads, 白馬嘶風繫柳條將軍無事劍藏鞘國恩未報身先老夢踏關山雪未消 The white horse whining in the wind is tied with a willow branch.With no trouble at hand, the general hides his sword in the sheath. I have yet to repay the royal favor but have already grown old.In dream, I tread on the native hill still covered in snow. Using the character “sheath” 鞘, which has a falling tone as an even tone, is the poem’s failing.ne as an even tone, is the poem’s failing.)
E319 + (Pak Sang was once falsely accused by one o … Pak Sang was once falsely accused by one of his students. One day, when the student visited his residence, Pak did not see him but instead sent him the following poem, 誾誾誤解示謙恭袖裏潛藏射羿弓堪笑人心眞九折裂裳裹足向雲中 Respectfully speaking fallacy, you show courtesy,while hiding in the sleeve a bow to shoot at the teacher. How laughable is the human heart that is warped nine times!Tearing my clothes and wrapping my feet, I will scurry to the clouds! Although he let Pak down, wasn’t Pak’s reproach also excessive?own, wasn’t Pak’s reproach also excessive?)
E649 + (Pak Sun’s poem, 久沐恩波役此心曉鷄聲裏戴朝簪江南野屋春蕪沒却倩山僧護 … Pak Sun’s poem, 久沐恩波役此心曉鷄聲裏戴朝簪江南野屋春蕪沒却倩山僧護竹林 Long immersed in the waters of royal favor, this heart belabors. Listening to the crow of a rooster at dawn, I don my official garb.The cottage river south is buried in overgrown spring grass.I just ask the monk in the mountain to take care of my bamboo grove. Ah! Who among scholar-officials do not have the desire to retreat? Yet, many linger because of meager salary while cherishing such a heart. This poem thoroughly touches the hearts of the readers.roughly touches the hearts of the readers.)
E467 + (Pak Suryang 朴守良 (1491–1554; sobriquet Ssan … Pak Suryang 朴守良 (1491–1554; sobriquet Ssanghanjŏng [Double Idleness Pavilion]), native to Kangnŭng, Kangwŏn province, retired from his position as County Magistrate of Yonggung in Kyŏngsang province and withdrew in the countryside. Kim Chŏng traveled from the P’ungak Mountains visited him and presented to Pak a staff made from azalea as well as a poem, 萬玉疊岩裏九秋霜雪枝持來贈君子歲晚是心知 From the beautiful ten thousand cliffs,a branch covered in frost and snow of the ninth month,I bring and present to a gentleman.When you get older, you will know this heart. Pak presented Kim with a matching poem, which reads, 似嫌直先伐故為屈其枝直性猶存內那能免斧斤 As if the upright will be cut down first,so you twisted the branch. If your upright nature still remains inside,how could you avoid being cut down by an axe? Perhaps Pak was warning Kim to escape calamity, yet Pak in the end could not avoid it as well. How pitiful!d could not avoid it as well. How pitiful!)
E575 + (People all say that lately Ch’oe Kyŏngch’a … People all say that lately Ch’oe Kyŏngch’ang and Yi Tal have styled their works after Tang poetry (haktang), so I record their good (sŏn) poems. When passing previous Chief Minister Yi Changgon’s residence, Ch’oe Kyŏngch’ang wrote a poem. 門前車馬散如煙相國繁華未百年村巷寥寥過寒食茱萸花發古牆邊 The carriages and horses outside the gate have dispersed like smoke. The glories of Chief Minister did not last a hundred years.Quietly in the village streets people celebrate the Cold Food Festival.Dogwood flowers bloom by the ancient walls. Another is a eulogy poem he wrote for a Chinese general who died in battle. 日沒雲中火照山單於兵近鹿頭關將軍自領千人去夜渡瀘河戰未還 As the sun set into the clouds, fire lit up the mountains.Then the Xiongnu army approached Deer Head Gate.Leading a thousand men, the general went on his way.At night he crossed the Lu River but did not return from the battle. Yi Tal was visiting Ch’oe Kyŏngch’ang at Yŏnggwang county, Chŏlla province, and there noticed a kisaeng. Just then he saw a merchant selling silk with purple cloud pattern and immediately composed a poem and sent it to Ch’oe. The poem said, 商胡賣錦江南市朝日照之生紫煙佳人政欲作裙帶手探妝奩無直錢 A foreign vendor sells brocade in the Jiangnan market.When the morning sun shines on it, purple smoke rises. A fair lady wishes to buy it to make a sash for her skirt. She dips her hand into the purse but finds she doesn’t have enough. Ch’oe said in reply, “If we determine the price of this poem, how could it be only worth a thousand gold coins? But this county is small, so my gift cannot measure up to my wish.” Then for each line of the poem, Ch’oe compensated ten bushels of white rice, and all together gave him forty bushels. Another poem on traveling at sea said, 碧海波空雲影涵白鷗無數上苔岩山花落盡不歸去家在石峰江水南 In the empty blue sea, reflections of clouds are deep.Countless white gulls land on mossy rocks. Mountain flowers have all fallen, but I am not going back. My home is in the rocky peak, south of the river. Another poem said, 寒林煙碧鷺絲飛江上人家掩竹扉斜日斷橋人去盡滿山空翠滴霏微 Over the cold forest, misty blue, a white egret glides.At the riverside home, the bamboo gate is closed. The sun sets over the broken bridge. People have all left.The empty green mountain is sprinkled with a drizzle. Another poem by Ch’oe Kyŏngch’ang said, 茅庵寄在白雲間長老西游久未還黃蝶飛時疏雨過獨敲寒磬宿秋山 A thatched hut stands amid white clouds.The abbot traveled to the west and has not returned for long. When yellow butterflies flutter, sparse rains pass. Alone I strike the stone chime, staying in autumn mountain. Clear and simple (ch’ŏngdam), these poems are admirable. But people like them only wrote short poems and their knowledge of the classics was broad. That in the end they were not as well-known as the ancients is regrettable.well-known as the ancients is regrettable.)
E662 + (People say Yi Annul’s poems are dull (tun) … People say Yi Annul’s poems are dull (tun) and not high-spirited (pul yang), but they are wrong. A poem he composed in Hamhŭng, Hamgyŏng province, reads, 雨晴官柳綠毿毿客路初逢三月三共是出關歸未得佳人莫唱望江南 Rain has cleared and the public willowsare downy green.For the first time on the itinerant road I spend the Double Three Festival. Together we have left the pass and have not yet returned.Fair lady! Please don’t sing “Gazing at Jiangnan”. Clear (ch’ŏngch’o), flowing and beautiful (yuryŏ), how could he be far from the Tang poets?, how could he be far from the Tang poets?)
E669 + (People say that the Daoist recluse Chŏn Uc … People say that the Daoist recluse Chŏn Uch’i became an immortal. His poems are very clear and melodious (ch’ŏngwŏl). A poem he composed while visiting Samilp’o said, 秋晩瑤潭霜氣淸天風吹下紫簫聲靑鸞不至海天闊三十六峯秋月明 By the fairy pond in late autumn, the frosty air is clear.A heavenly breeze wafts downthe sound of purple bamboo flute.The blue phoenix does not come. The sea and the sky are vast.Over the thirty-six peaks, the autumn moon shines bright. Reading it makes one feel refreshed (sangyŏn).ing it makes one feel refreshed (sangyŏn).)
E601 + (People say that when Ch’oe Hae (sobriquet … People say that when Ch’oe Hae (sobriquet Yesan Nongŭn [Ye Mountain Farming Recluse]) blotted out all the poems in Yi Chehyŏn’s poetry collection and only left one poem, 紙被生寒佛燈暗沙彌一夜不鳴鍾應嗔宿客開門早要見庭前雪壓松 Under a thin blanket, cold air rises. The temple’s lamps are dim.Whole night, the monk does not ring the bell.He must not want the lodging guest to open the door earlyto see in the courtyard the pines weighed down by snow. Yi was greatly impressed and regarded Ch’oe as a bosom friend. This story however is an overexaggeration. For example, Yi’s ancient style poems, such as “In Response to the Song of Roosting Crow” 和烏棲曲 and “Mian Pond” 澠池, have all approximated the ancients (p’ipko), and his regulated verses are also truly luminous (hongnyang). Even the “Poem on History” 咏史, composed when he was young, contains lines such as, 誰知鄴下荀文若永愧遼東管幼安 Who knew that Xun Wenruo of Ye would forever be ashamed by Guan Youan of Liaodong? 不解載將西子去越宮還有一姑蘇 I do not know why you took Lady Xi Shi along.Then in the Yue Palace there would be another Gusu Terrace. 劉郞自愛蠶䕺國故里虛生羽葆桑 Liu Bei himself loved the state of Can Cong.His hometown in vain grew a mulberry tree with plumed canopy. Poems like these all hit the point and articulate what people of the past had not articulated. How can he then be underrated? This also is a hero’s bullying and hence cannot be fully trusted.ullying and hence cannot be fully trusted.)
E441 + (Poems by Chŏng Mongju written visiting in … Poems by Chŏng Mongju written visiting in Japan on a diplomatic mission read, 斑衣想自秦童化染齒曾將越俗通 Their striped clothes perhaps came from the children of Qin.Their teeth dying once was a custom of Yue. 行人脫履邀尊長志士磨刀報世仇 Passersby take off their shoes when they meet their elders.People of integrity sharpen their swords to revenge their family foes. 梅窗春色早板屋雨聲多 Spring colors arrive early to the plum window.Rain sounds are loud at the plank house. These are all factual records.lank house. These are all factual records.)
E413 + (Poet Im Ŏngnyŏng had an extraordinary (kiw … Poet Im Ŏngnyŏng had an extraordinary (kiwi) vigor. Poised and dignified, he did not easily submit. As for poetry, he studied Li Bai and his family’s literary tradition had a great influence on him. Once he wrote the following short quatrain, 人方憑水檻鷺亦立沙灘白發雖相似吾閑鷺未閑 Just as I lean on the railing of water pavilion,an egret also alights on the sandy beach.White-haired, though we may look alike,I am idle, the egret not.We can see his haughty (piye) and unyielding (hohoeng) intent.ty (piye) and unyielding (hohoeng) intent.)
E554 + (Poetry expresses intent. Although diction … Poetry expresses intent. Although diction (saŏ) creates its effect (kong), but if diction entails loss of meaning (ŭi), those who understand poetry will not choose it. In the court of the previous king, there was a horse named Peach Blossom, and the king made a group of officials to write poems about it. Chŏng Saryong’s poem said, 望夷宮裏失天真走入桃源避虐秦背上落花仍不掃至今猶帶武陵春 At the Wangyi Palace,innocence was lost.People walked into the Peach Blossom Spring to avoid the cruel Qin.Fallen petals on your back still have not been swept.They are there to this day in spring in Wuling. Chŏng included the poem in his personal manuscript. But he compiled and pruned his poetry collection three times, and that is why this poem is not found in his Hoŭm chip 湖陰集 (Collected Works of Hoŭm). His poetic description of peach blossom can be called ingenious (kyo), but he got stuck there and eventually did not return to the original intent. How could words like “Wangyi Palace” and “cruel Qin” be a proper response to what he was asked to write? It is appropriate that the poem was eventually left out of his anthology. was eventually left out of his anthology.)
E732 + (Poetry is begotten from an inborn talent ( … Poetry is begotten from an inborn talent (ch’ŏn’gi). The poems born of freely flowing creativity (chohwa) are superior, yet such achievements are not many. Ranking below them are the poems that imitate Tang and Song works (haktang haksong). Each poet has his own style (ch’e), but taken as a whole, there have been some poems worth praising. In recent times, there have been a few recognized poets, but notwithstanding the level of their style (ch’egyŏk), only very few were able to realize poetic meaning and charm (ŭich’wi). What is the use of discussing whether they are close to Tang or Song? There is a poem circulated in the world, 我生後彭祖彭祖不如余蛘蝣出我後我生猶不如往古不必羨來短方有餘 I was born after Pengzu,so Pengzu was not like me. Mayflies were born after me,and my life still isn’t like theirs.There is no need to esteem the past.A brief time in future has more in store. I do not know whose poem this is, but it is complete both in expression and meaning (sari) and, there is limitless charm and savor (ch’wimi). Even during Tang and Song, without freely flowing creativity (chohwa), who could have written such a poem?ohwa), who could have written such a poem?)
E553 + (Poetry pertains to the transformation of c … Poetry pertains to the transformation of customs. It is not simply about singing of outstanding scenery. The ancients, shaking the wooden bells, gathered and recorded them in Poetry and Odes 風雅 (feng ya). But today, Chief Minister Min Mongnyong 閔夢龍 (1550–1618) denounces poets and says, “Those who write poetry often criticize current affairs. Some roll their eyes, and some are punished because their poems. Therefore, it is proper not to learn it.” Minister (sangsŏ) Chŏng Chongyŏng 鄭宗榮 (1513–1589) also forbade his sons and grandsons from learning poetry. I believe although the two are good at planning for their well-being, they really have not grasp the ancients’ intention in the Three Hundred Poems 三百篇. Recently, treacherous official Kim Allo built a new pavilion near East Lake. Naming it the “Hall of Preserving Joy” (Porakdang), he asked Sin Kwanghan for a poem. Sin tried to decline but could not and presented Kim with the following poem, 聞說華堂結構新綠窗丹檻照湖濱江山亦入陶甄手月笛還宜錦繡人進退有憂公保樂行藏無意我全真風光檢點須閑熟更與何人作上賓 I’ve heard that a splendid hall was newly built.Its green windows and red balustrades light up the lake shore.Rivers and mountains also entered the potter’s hands.The moon and the bamboo flute too suit the man in fine brocade.Worrying whether to advance or retreat, yet you preserved your joy. My going and hiding have no other intention for I am wholly true.After surveying this scenery, one has to be aware. For who else can be your distinguished guest? The poem contains much sarcasm. “I’ve heard” explains that he himself has not seen it. “Rivers and mountains also entered the potter’s hands” expounds that the dynasty’s court affairs as well as rivers, mountains, and fields have also entered the potter’s hands. “The moon and the bamboo flute too suit the man in fine brocade” illustrates that beautiful things do not suit the wind and the moon, but rather those who are wealthy and noble. “Worrying whether to advance or retreat, yet you preserved your joy” explains that those who advanced and retreated before him all had worries, but Kim Allo alone preserves his joy, not sharing it with the people. “My going and hiding have no other intention for I am wholly true” says that Sin has no intention to forge ahead at this time to keep his integrity. “Who else will be your distinguished guest?” makes known that Sin does not wish to be a distinguished guest at Kim’s hall and asks who else would submit to Kim’s authority and become his great guest. Every single line in this poem has profound meaning, which, even after a thousand years, will be able to reveal the heart of a gentleman. Kim was also had profound knowledge of literature, how could he not have known the poem’s meaning? Yet, in the end, he did not harm Sin, fearing the gossip of the worthies at the time and not wishing to expose his secret.time and not wishing to expose his secret.)

C035 + (Poets like to use such meters (''yul'').)

E748 + (Poets’ thoughts (ŭisa) at times unintentio … Poets’ thoughts (ŭisa) at times unintentionally coincide (amhap). I once wrote a couplet, 花色艷於宮姬艷溪光淸似使君淸 The colorful flowers are more beautiful than beautiful palace ladies.The gleaming stream is pure like our pure and virtuous governor. Later I read in a Tang poet’s anthology, the following poetic lines, 秋水淨於僧眼碧晚山濃似佛頭靑 Autumn river is clear, blue like the eyes of a monk.Evening hills are dark, green like the head of the Buddha. Although in rhyming and meters (un’gyŏk), there are differences in skills (kongjol), but they both have the same composition method (kuppŏp).have the same composition method (kuppŏp).)
E308 + (Primus Chŏng Inin’s 鄭麟仁 (d. 1504) mother w … Primus Chŏng Inin’s 鄭麟仁 (d. 1504) mother was skilled at writing. Although she concealed her talent and did not put it to use, when she did so, it was always wonderfully outstanding (kijŏl). Her older brother once asked her for a poem, and she replied, “Although it is not a woman’s matter, I will demonstrate it for you once.” Then using the painting of Grand Duke Jiang angling, which hung on the wall, as the subject, she wrote the following poem, 鶴髮投竿客超然不世翁若非西伯獵長伴往來鴻 An angler with crane-white-hair.He is an old man who withdrew from the world!If not for West Earl’s hunting,for long, he would have accompanied migrating swans.Later, when one imperial envoy to our country asked to see our poetry, this poem was presented. After a long musing, the envoy remarked, “The poem still has a woman’s voice.”ked, “The poem still has a woman’s voice.”)
E103 + (Prince of Hasan, Sŏng Mongjŏng 成夢井 (1471–1 … Prince of Hasan, Sŏng Mongjŏng 成夢井 (1471–1517), possessed literary talent and vigor (ki) that was outstanding (ch’omae). Although he was lazy by nature and did not pursue writing, there were moments of inspiration when he produced rather excellent (ka) verses. Once, when he was on a boat passing Chŏja Island, he looked up and saw scholar Kwŏn Sunhyŏng’s 權順衡 (15th century) river pavilion. The pavilion was looking down on the river and was empty and quiet. Disembarking from the boat, he ascended the pavilion. Leaning against the balustrade, he let out a whistle. After enjoying a few cups of wine, he sang a verse in a low voice and wrote it between the walls. The final line of the verse read, 朱欄大抵多空寂携酒來憑是主人 Most vermilion balustrades are empty and quiet.Whoever visits them with wine will be their owners. I once read in Bai Juyi’s poem, 多少朱門鎖空宅主人到了不曾歸 How many vermilion gates are locked and empty homes?The owners had been here,but they never returned. Sikong Shu’s 司空曙 (ca. 720–790) poem said, 黃金散盡敎歌舞留與他人樂少年 Squander your gold on songs and dances!Leaving it for others will only please the young folks. Although Sŏng based his poem on these two poems, his is also excellent (ka).ese two poems, his is also excellent (ka).)
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.)
E457 + (Prince of Hasan, Sŏng Mongjŏng’s poem “On … Prince of Hasan, Sŏng Mongjŏng’s poem “On a River Pavilion” 題江亭 reads, 爭占名區漢水濱亭台到處向江新朱欄大抵皆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.This can be considered a master’s poem. Sŏng Tamsu’s 成聃壽 (d. 1456) poem reads, 持竿盡日趁江邊垂腳淸波困一眠夢與沙鷗游萬里覺來身在夕陽天 Holding a fishing rod all day by the river,hanging my feet in the limpid waves, tired, I fall asleep.In dream, with the gulls on the beach,I travel thousands of li.Awake, I am in the sunset sky. The poem’s meaning and charm (ŭihŭng) are also lofty. One version records the third verse as, 夢與白鷗飛海外 In dream, together with white gulls I soar beyond the seas. Sŏng Tamsu is Sŏng Manjŏng’s uncle. seas. Sŏng Tamsu is Sŏng Manjŏng’s uncle.)
E772 + (Provincial Governor (kamsa) Cho Sehwan 趙世煥 … Provincial Governor (kamsa) Cho Sehwan 趙世煥 (1615–1683; sobriquet Such’on [Wooded Village]) was good at poetry and was obsessed with writing and chanting poems. Every day he wrote a dozen poems and many of his poems were excellent (ka). His poem “Seeing off Song Siyŏl on His Exile North” 送尤齋北遷 reads, 橐裏猶藏舊賜貂此時誰遣此行遙離亭一掏男兒淚不為先生為聖朝 In the pouch I still keep the saber you gave me.This time who is going on exile, a journey far faraway?At the farewell pavilion, I pour outmy manly tears.Not for you sirbut for our sage dynasty. The poem was widely recited (chŏnsong) for a time. was widely recited (chŏnsong) for a time.)
E059 + (Pyŏn Kyeryang 卞季良 (1369–1430; sobriquet Ch … Pyŏn Kyeryang 卞季良 (1369–1430; sobriquet Ch’unjŏng [Spring Pavilion]) succeeded Kwŏn Kŭn 權近 (1352–1409; sobriquet Yangch’on [Sunshine Village]) as the Director of the Office of Royal Decrees (taejehak). However, writing was not Pyŏn’s strong suit. Kim Kugyŏng 金久冏 (ca. 1407) was renowned for his poetry. Whenever he read Pyŏn’s poems, he covered his mouth and burst into laughter. One day, when Pyŏn was on vacation at his rural villa, he spontaneously wrote the following verse, 虛白連天江渚曉暗黃浮地柳郊春 Vacant whiteness blends with the sky, as the dawn comes to the riverbank.Dark yellow hovers above the field, as spring comes to the willow village. Feeling confident that he had written a beautiful (mi) couplet, he planned to go to the capital and present it to the king. When someone told Kim about this, Kim remarked, “The poem is despicably clumsy. If presented, it would mislead the king. Here is a poem I once wrote, 驛亭把酒山當戶江郡哦詩雨滿船 At a posthouse pavilion, I grab wine in hand, with hills facing the gate.In a river county, I chant poems,as the rain fills the boat. Now, this is something suitable to present to the king.” The person then relayed this information to Pyŏn, who responded, “The expression ‘facing’ 當 is not suitable. It is better to change it to ‘overlooking’ 臨.” The person then conveyed this to Kim, who remarked, “People say Pyŏn does not understand poetry, and indeed so! Did not an ancient poem say, ‘South hills facing the gate wind around clearly’ 南山當戶轉分明?” The person then reported Kim’s comment to Pyŏn, who replied, “Did not an ancient poem say, ‘Blue hills overlook the Yellow River’ 靑山臨黃河. Kim is the one who truly does not understand poetry, yet he mocks me!”s not understand poetry, yet he mocks me!”)
E866 + (Quatrains must achieve affective scenes (c … Quatrains must achieve affective scenes (chŏnggyŏng), and after that superfluous words can be eliminated. In the autumn of the kabo year (1654) when I was traveling to survey Kunwi county in Kyŏngsang province, I departed at dawn from Angi station. I was supposed to reach the county that evening, and inspired by what I heard and saw, I wrote the following quatrain, 前村機杼後村砧驛路繁霜一寸深窗外曉雞催盥櫛也知游子暮歸心 In the village before me, the sound of weaving.In the village behind me, the pounding of laundry mallets.The station road is covered in frost,one inch thick.Outside the window, the rooster breaking the dawnhastens me to wash and get dressed.It also understands that this traveler’swish to arrive by dusk.Again in the pyŏngo year (1666) when I was traveling to China, at Yŏnsan station I met an interpreter bringing back a calendar from China. Entrusting him with a letter for my family, I wrote the following quatrain, 好去長程縷縷辭堅緘還恐折緘遲平書二字題書表遙想家親入眼知 Have a safe journey!A long good-bye.A tightly sealed letter, I’m afraid,will take time before you can open it.Two words, “Reporting Peace,”I write on the outside,and imagine my familyreading them with their eyes. I do not know which of the two poems is better. Five-character quatrains are particularly difficult to write. Of the ones I have written my whole life, I find only very few to be satisfactory. When I went to Japan, someone asked me to write a poem for a scroll painting of a rooster. I wrote and presented the poem to him. 咫尺扶桑曉胡為獨不鳴恐驚孤客夢應絕五更聲 The dawn is almost here,so why is that you alone are not crowing?Afraid of disturbing the lone traveler’s dream,you must have stopped making sound at the fifth watch. Again, when I traveled north to distribute disaster relief, while passing through Liaodong, I wrote the following poem, 去國才三月貪程欲奮飛如何華表鶴千載始思歸 It’s been only three months since I left the country.But longing to speed up the journey, I wish I could fly. How come the cranes on ornate columnsonly think of returning after a thousand years? I also do not know which of these two is better. do not know which of these two is better.)
E856 + (Recently, I came to love the Yŏnsŏng yŏnby … Recently, I came to love the Yŏnsŏng yŏnbyŏk chip 延城聯璧集 (Collected Works of Yŏnsŏng Brothers), a one-volume private manuscript of the collection of excellent poems by Yi Ilsang 李一相 (1612–1666; sobriquet Ch’ŏngho [Clear Lake]) and his brothers. Looking at the poems and rhapsodies in the book, I find each work has different level of depth and maturity. But altogether, they are magnificent (sŏng), each one like a feather of a vermilion phoenix. For example, Yi Ilsang wrote, 宇宙名山看太白兄弟仙閣宿凝淸 For a world-famous mountain, observe the T’aebaek.The brothers at a pavilion of immortalsspend the night at Calm Clarity. Calm Clarity (Ŭngch’ŏng) is the name of a pavilion in Ch’ŏngp’ung county, Ch’ungch’ŏng province.Yi Ŭnsang 李殷相 (1617–1678; styled Yŏlgyŏng) wrote, 靑瑣夢牽留客館白銅歌作送君詞 Charmed by the dream of the palace with green locks,I am staying at a guest house.Here I write a Song of White Copper-Shod Hoofbeatsand send you the lyrics. Yi Hongsang 李弘相 (1668–1731; styled Chegyŏng) wrote, 病似左丘無國語身同釋氏有家憂 With an illness like Zuo Qiuming’s, I have not written the Guoyu.With a body like Shakyamuni’s, I have a family to worry about.Yi Tansang 李端相 (1628–1669; styled Yunŭng) wrote, 依檻海雲生野外題詩山雨落樽前 As I lean on the balcony, ocean clouds rise beyond the open fields.As I write my poem, a mountain rainsprinkles toward the wine cup. These lines are all wonderful (myo). Generally speaking, in style (kyŏkcho) Yi Tansang is the most admired (ch’oego). In depth (yŏnwŏn), Yi Hongsang is the deepest. As for accomplishments (sŏngch’wi), Yi Ŭnsang attained the most. Yi Ŭnsang was good at writing elegiac poems. All the ten regulated verses in his “Eulogy to King Hyojong” 孝廟挽章 are excellent (ka). Among them, the lines, 憑幾日回周甲子冊名尊並宋淳熙 The anniversary of the king’s death has returned in kapcha year of the Zhou. His recorded fame is revered alongside the Chunxi reign of the Song. are very well constructed. But Ch’ae Yuhu pointed out that the word “revered” is a flaw (cha), and it seems to be so.d” is a flaw (cha), and it seems to be so.)
E799 + (Recently, there was a scholar in Kangjin, … Recently, there was a scholar in Kangjin, Hwanghae province, who on a boat could not complete a poem about the cicada to a given rhyme. A monk on the same boat, seeing that the scholar was having trouble, asked what the topic and the rhyme were. Immediately, the monk first composed a poem and read it out, 脫殼塵埃幻爾形欲窮天造政冥冥弱翎烏帽霜紗薄淸韻銅壺玉漏零待急雨休高閣靜趁斜陽噪暮山靑蛛絲鳥嘴成奇禍胡乃飛騰不暫停 You shed your dusty skinand transformed your shape.Wishing to exhaust Heaven’s Creativity,you corrected the shadowy black. Fragile wings and a black cap,frosty white gauze so thin. Cool resonance of a bronze jar.Drops from the jade water clock.You cannot wait for the sudden rain to stopat the quiet high tower.At sunset you chirp loudlyin the evening mountain so blue.Cobwebs and birds’ beaksbecome your great calamities.Why don’t you just take wingand rest for a while?The scholar was disheartened and barely finished the poem. The third couplet of this poem said, 南畝勤耘秦野綠夕陽歸別楚山靑 Diligently ploughing the southern acres,the fields of Qin were green.Returning and parting under the setting sun,the mountains of Chu were blue. The monk laughed cheerfully and said, “You can be a gifted scholar.” He then headed to the monastery. When inquired, the monk did not give his name. inquired, the monk did not give his name.)
E273 + (Recluse Cho Sik 曹植 (1501–1572) composed a … Recluse Cho Sik 曹植 (1501–1572) composed a poem in response to Chŏng Saryong’s “A Poem on the Four Beauties Pavilion” 四美亭詩. The first verse reads, 垂老辛酸口失宜縱然忘老未忘機百穿深壑身猶客半睡高亭夢已奇並木殘春人舊謝舍邦微雨水初肥將軍肯少封留計一介書生亦在斯 Approaching old age, to spicy and sour tastesmy tongue is no longer sensitive.But even if I forget about growing old, I still haven’t forgotten all motive.A hundred times, through this deep ravine, I have traversed like a guest.Half asleep in the lofty pavilion, I am already dreaming the strange.At Pyŏngmok village in late spring, people have long disappeared.Over the Sabang River, as a light rain falls, the water begins to rise.The general gladly acceptedthe plan to retreat as a marquis.A mere scholar here, too, is here.The second verse reads, 斯干日日樂靡違舍此談天未是奇智異三藏居彷徨武夷九曲水依稀鏝牆瓦老風飄去石路歧深馬自知皓首重來非舊主一年春盡詠無衣 By these brooks, day after day, I find delight without hindrance. Settling here and discussing matters of Heaven, this is not strange at all.At Mt. Chiri’s Tripitaka, I dwell and wander.At Mt. Wuyi’s Nine Bends,the water is turbid. The pebble road branches out deeply, but the horse knows the way.With a hoary head, I come again, but not the old master.Until the end of spring, I sing the tune “No Clothes.”The language (ŏ) used in the poem is lofty (ko) and the intent (chi) profound (sim), not something to be grasped by those with shallow learning. Later generations will recognize him as Yang Xiong.erations will recognize him as Yang Xiong.)
E693 + (Recluse Chŏng Chisŭng (sobriquet Ch’ŏnyuja … Recluse Chŏng Chisŭng (sobriquet Ch’ŏnyuja [Master Celestial Traveller]) became renowned for his poetry. In praise of his talent in quatrain composition, his uncle Chŏng Chak once said, 鳥啼春有意花落雨無情 Birds call in spring with affection.Flowers fall in rain without a heart.“Aren’t these words of an immortal?” In my opinion, the above lines resemble couplets for children. I cannot comprehend why Chŏng Chak made such a comment. I heard Im Che recite a quatrain by Chŏng Chisŭng, 草入王孫恨花添杜宇愁汀洲人不見風動木蘭舟 When plants sprout, you regret.When flowers bloom, cuckoos worry.On the islet, there is no one.The wind moves the magnolia boat. and remark that it was a poetic masterpiece (chŏlch’ang) that he could not attain. It truly is so. Chŏng Chisŭng was originally a native to Hanyang. As a youth, he was not recognized by the world, so he settled in Yongdam, deep in the mountain. He built a thatched hut and named it Chonggye (Cassia Bush) and remained there until his death. Bush) and remained there until his death.)
E643 + (Recorded in my late father’s book of farew … Recorded in my late father’s book of farewell poems is a phrase by So Seyang, 白玉堂成久黃金帶賜今 In the White Jade Hall, I have long stayed.But the Golden Belt, I only receive today. which has been called excellent (ka) by people. Yet the expression in Pak Chihwa’s poem, 忽看卿月上誰惜我衣華 Suddenly I see the bright moon rising.Who would begrudge my splendid robe? is a startling expression (kyŏngch’aek). His eulogy poem for Yu Hŭich’un reads, 千秋滄海上白日大名垂 Above the eternal Deep Blue Sea,a blazing sun, his great name hangs. What is the need for Du Fu!at name hangs. What is the need for Du Fu!)
E737 + (Recorder of the Royal Secretariat (chusŏ) … Recorder of the Royal Secretariat (chusŏ) Sin Ŭihwa 申儀華 (1637–1662) was skilled in verses (ci) and rhapsodies but could also write poems. He died not long after passing the civil service examination. When he was young, he studied with his cousin Kim Sŏkchu at a pavilion by East Lake. One autumn night, they heard rustling sounds and thought they were from either a passing rain or falling leaves. In bed, Sin and Kim each composed a quatrain verbally. Sin’s poem reads, 客枕夢初回西風打亭樹蕭蕭落葉聲疑是秋江雨 The traveler in bed has just begun his dream.West wind beats on the trees by the pavilion.Swoosh, swoosh! The sounds of falling leaves.Could they be rain drops falling on an autumn river? Kim’s poem said, 簌簌復蕭蕭聲聲在秋樹不是風前葉應是葉上雨 Swish, swish! Swoosh, swoosh!Rustling sounds of autumn trees.Not the leaves in the wind.Must be rain drops on the leaves. Sin’s poem has a clear sound (ch’ŏngun) and is lovely (kaae). Kim’s poem has an ancient air (kogi) that is difficult to attain but his meaning (yongŭi) seems contrived (sajo).s meaning (yongŭi) seems contrived (sajo).)
E821 + (Relative superiority and inferiority betwe … Relative superiority and inferiority between Ch’oe Kyŏngch’ang and Paek Kwanghun have already been established in Ch’oe Rip’s preface. Regarding, Ch’oe Kyŏngch’ang wrote, “a single light illuminating the southern kingdom” 炯然南國之孤照 and regarding Paek, “writing poems about autumn cicadas until hair turns grey” 吟作秋蟲到白頭. The meaning can be comprehended. Ch’oe Kyŏngch’ang was certainly superior in quatrains, but none of his seven-character regulated verses deserves transmission. As for Paek’s couplet, 紅藕一池風滿院亂蟬千樹雨歸村 Red lotus roots crowd the pond. A breeze fills the courtyard.Clamorous cicadas sing on a thousand trees.A rain returns to the village. Ch’oe must yield to Paek. The best in regulated verses and quatrains? Isn’t it Yi Tal!ted verses and quatrains? Isn’t it Yi Tal!)
E543 + (Retiring and returning to the fields from … Retiring and returning to the fields from the position of Censor General (taesagan), Yi I wrote the following poem, 閶闔三章辭聖主江湖一葦載孤臣 From the palace gate and three decrees, my sage lord releases me.To rivers and lakes, a reed boat carries me.In his tone (sagi), there is a sense of peace (hwap’yŏng). When Chŏng Ch’ŏl retired from his position as Second Deputy Director in the Office of Royal Decrees (chikchehak) and returned to the south, in a poem he presented to Yi I, he wrote, 君意似山終不動我行如水幾時回 Your intent, like a mountain, did not move in the end.I move on, like a river. When will I return? They say it was because at the time his opinions (nonŭi) differed from that of Yi I’s. From this we can see the aura (kisang) of the two people.n see the aura (kisang) of the two people.)
E872 + (Riding on a donkey, I sleep soundly in spr … Riding on a donkey, I sleep soundly in spring. Green mountains I travel in my dream.Waking up, I realize a rain had passed byfor the streams have new tunes. This quatrain by an unknown person has been heralded as exceptional (chŏlga). However, I do not agree. If a rain passed by and the streams are noisy, then it must have been a rainstorm. Not waking up in a rainstorm and still dreaming on a donkey’s back does not make sense. In a Tang poem, 春眠不覺曉處處聞啼鳥 Sleeping in spring, I didn’t realize the morning had come.Everywhere I hear the warbling birds. a true charm (ch’wijin) was captured in language (ŏ) and rhyming and meters (un’gyŏk) are naturally met. This is how a poem should be. On the whole, a poet should avoid soiling meaning and charm (ŭich’wi) and going downhill to lose the poetic forms (kyŏngnyul). He should also avoid focusing only on the poetic forms at the expense of meaning and charm. Charm is based on principle. Style (kyŏk) is based on vigor. When principle (ri) takes the lead and vigor (ki) is employed, the way of principle will be displayed in abundance. The poems from the Kaiyuan era are mostly like that. The Song poets were stagnant in principle. The Ming poets were constrained by vigor. They had difficulty differentiating clear and turbid, real and unreal, and hence have failed equally. As one critic said, “The poems from the Kaiyuan era are like a graceful and poised gentleman in ceremonial attire in the hall. The poems by the Song poets are like a corrupt scholar doing a ceremonial bow in the back alley. The poems by the Ming poets are like a youthful knight-errant galloping on a horse in the courtesans’ district.” This can be considered a good analogy.t.” This can be considered a good analogy.)
M079 + (Rosy ocean clouds do not bring rain and hover above the woods. A wildfire without wind reaches the treetop.)
E476 + (Royal Secretary (sŭngji) Yi Ch’ungjak’s po … Royal Secretary (sŭngji) Yi Ch’ungjak’s poem reads, 白首龍驤衛官閑晝掩扉僧從三角至求我五言歸 A white-haired Left Guard,his day work is easy behind the closed gate.A monk from Three Peaks Mountain comesand asks him for a five-character poem and returns.The poem really comes close to naturalness (chayŏn).eally comes close to naturalness (chayŏn).)
E504 + (Royal clansman Prince Sŏgyang, Yi Chŏng 李霆 … Royal clansman Prince Sŏgyang, Yi Chŏng 李霆 (1554–1626) wrote a poem in Kosŏng, Kangwŏn province, 千里客游三日浦百年人倚四仙亭 A traveler on a thousand-li journey visits Three Day Lake.A hundred-year-old man leans on the Four Immortals Pavilion.Scholar Pak Kyŏngsin 朴慶新 (1560–1626) also wrote in his poem on Ninth Month Mountain 九月山, 山名九月宜秋賞寺在深源幾日尋 The mountain named Ninth Month is suitable for enjoying autumn.How many days will it take to find the monastery in the deep bottom?The two poems are equally excellent (u).m?The two poems are equally excellent (u).)
E694 + (Scholar Chŏng Ŏnnul (sobriquet Ilch’I [One … Scholar Chŏng Ŏnnul (sobriquet Ilch’I [One Ignorant]) is a native to Naju, Chŏlla province. He is erudite but few know him. At every examination, he impressed the people with his rhapsody. The world therefore knows that he is good at rhapsody but has not seen his poetry. When Chŏng was young, he visited Sŏsŏk Mountain. A couplet in the poem he wrote in response to Im Che’s poem said, 怪石夜能虎孤松秋欲弦 At night, grotesque rocks can become tigers.In the fall, a lone pine wishes to play his strings.It amply displays his strangeness (ki). A phrase in a poem he wrote at the time of wandering during the Imjin War says, 醉來千日少亂後一身多 When drunk, even a thousand days is short.After the war, even my own body is burdensome.Those who heard it said that Chŏng was able to create the words that the ancients had not uttered. A couplet in Yao He’s 姚合 (779–854) poem “Presented to Liu Cha” 贈劉叉, 避時曾變姓救難似嫌身 To escape turmoil, I changed my surname.To be saved from trouble, I feigned to loathe myself. is somewhat similar to Chŏng’s couplet in meaning (ŭi). But Chŏng did not like to read poetry, so he must have not repeated Yao He’s phrase. It probably came from a hymn in the Diamond Sūtra, 富嫌千口少貧恨一身多 The rich complain the fortune for a thousand is too little. The poor grumble even his own body is too much.oor grumble even his own body is too much.)
M067 + (Scholar Han painted horses, real horses. Master Su writes a poem just like a painting. When Bo Le is no more,nor is there Han. To whom shall I show this poem and this painting?)
E691 + (Scholar Hong Ch’ŏn’gyŏng 洪千璟 (1553–1632; s … Scholar Hong Ch’ŏn’gyŏng 洪千璟 (1553–1632; sobriquet Panhwan [Lingerer]) worked on writing from young age and became renowned in the south. He took a few wrong steps in life. Past fifty years of age, he passed the Licentiate Examination (samasi) and before long was chosen as a primus. During the reign of King Kwanghaegun, he was appointed Superintendent of Post Station (ch’albang) at Pyŏksa station in Chŏlla province and was also assigned the duty of grain collection. He surpassed others in grain collection and was promoted to senior third rank (tongjŏng taebu). After the restoration of King Injo (r. 1623–1649), Hong was forsaken by his generation and died without having completed a single office. How sad! Throughout his life, Hong loved to write poetry. His poems were generally unique and robust (kigŏn). He composed examination-style poems with the speed of the wind. His expressions were surprising. He indeed was an outstanding talent of his generation. At the time when Yi Kyŏngjŏn 李慶全 (1567–1644; sobriquet Sŏngnu [Stone Tower]) was sent to inspect Chŏlla province, Hong accompanied him as Chief of Post Station (magwan) and presented a poem to Yi. The third couplet read, 重來樓閣題詩遍過眼山川識面曾 Visiting this tower again, the poems from the past surround me.Mountains and rivers passing through my eyes are familiar faces just as before. Yi liked the poem and treated Hong with courtesy.d the poem and treated Hong with courtesy.)
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.)