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E635 + (When So Seyang was young, he was a colleag … When So Seyang was young, he was a colleague with later Second State Councilor (chwaŭijŏng) Sang Chin, and Sang was So’s subordinate. When Sang became a State Councilor, he saked So to write a poem on a scroll painting of geese. So wrote a quatrain and sent it to him. The poem said, 蕭蕭孤影暮江潯紅蓼花殘兩岸陰漫向西風呼舊侶不知雲水萬重深 Gloomy, you cast a lonely shadow in the dimming riverside.Red reeds with fading flowers cast shades on both shores.In vain, toward westerly wind you call for the old companion,not knowing that clouds and waters are thousands of layers deep.The implied meaning is profound and lasting (simwŏn). When Sang read it, he sighed sorrowfully. When Sang read it, he sighed sorrowfully.)
E891 + (When Song Chun’gil was at a travel lodge w … When Song Chun’gil was at a travel lodge with a plan to return to the mountains, Nam Yongik went to pay a visit. Song asked him for a poem, and Nam wrote in his seat and presented it to him. 今年春事剰三旬及到春歸更惜春若遣先生留不去春風常襲座中人 This year’s springtimehas just thirty days left. As the time of spring’s departure comes,I cherish it even more.After sending you off,spring breeze will always enwrapthose here right now. The time was the third month of a bissextile year of kyŏngsul (1670), hence the expression “springtime has thirty more days.” Song called the poem good (sŏn).re days.” Song called the poem good (sŏn).)
E338 + (When State Councilor (ch’ansŏng) Hong Kwid … When State Councilor (ch’ansŏng) Hong Kwidal was young, grown-ups ordered him to write a couplet. He immediately replied, 鳥坐花枝或枝動不動 Birds alight on blossoming branches.Sometimes the branches move, sometimes not. Experts said that the word “sometimes” displays the vigor and style (kisŭp) of Hong’s writings.igor and style (kisŭp) of Hong’s writings.)
E114 + (When Sŏng Sŏngnin (sobriquet Mun’gyŏng [Li … When Sŏng Sŏngnin (sobriquet Mun’gyŏng [Literary Scenery]) traveled to P’yŏngan province during an official tour, he became romantically involved with a local kisaeng. He spent a few days in the province, and when the time came for him to leave, it started drizzling. Wishing to stay longer, he asked the county chief, “I am afraid it is going to rain. Why don’t we wait?” Unfortunately, the county chief did not catch Sŏng’s intention and replied, “There shouldn’t be any rain today.” Helpless, Sŏngbegan his journey toward Kasan. Along the way, it started raining, and he composed the following poem, 却恨雨師無老手嘉平館外濕征衣 Oh! How I hate that the Rain Master lacks skillful hands!Outside the Kap’yŏng guesthouse, he soaked my travel clothes.g guesthouse, he soaked my travel clothes.)
E749 + (When Tang poets wrote poems, they exerted … When Tang poets wrote poems, they exerted their whole heart and strength. That is why they were able to become famous and known to later generations. They wrote, for example, 吟安數個字捻斷幾莖髭 Writing and arranging a few words,how many strands of beard have I twisted off? 吟成五字句用破一生心 To write a five-character line,break open all your heart. 兩句三年得一吟雙淚流 Two lines in three years.with one chant, double tears flow. 欲識吟詩苦秋霜若在心 If you want to know how to make a poem bitter,think as if you hold autumn frost in your heart. Also, a poem like, 夜吟曉不休苦吟鬼神愁如何不自閑心與身為仇 Writing from night till dawn without rest.Writing in agony, even the ghosts and spirits worry.Why can’t I take it easy?I’ve become an enemy to my heart and my body. How true these words are! I also have this obsession. I wish to be freed from it but have not been unable to. I playfully wrote a quatrain, which said, 為人性癖最耽詩詩到吟時下字疑終至不疑方快意一生辛苦有誰知 By nature, I am obsessedMostly with poetry.When writing a poem, I hesitate to put words down.At last reaching the point of no doubt, only then do I feel blissful happiness.A life of agony, who would understand? Ah! Only with those who understand can I discuss this condition. The people of today with scant knowledge hastily write compositions and even wish to write words that will impress people. Isn’t this also aiming too far?ss people. Isn’t this also aiming too far?)
E777 + (When Third State Councilor (uŭijŏng) Kim S … When Third State Councilor (uŭijŏng) Kim Sŏkchu (sobriquet Sigam [Restful Hut]) was summoned to the capital from his villa in Uch’ŏn, he wrote a poem responding to the rhymes of Hong Manjong (styled Uhae). 憶昨幽憂掩蓽門石田茅屋舊居存村酤不害澆胸快檐曝唯憐炙背溫倦去林禽差適意寵來軒鶴卻叨恩淸詩到眼堪醫俗襟抱憑君一細論 I remember yesterday, laden with grief,I had shut the brushwood gate.A stony field and a thatched house,my old house remains.Village liquors were not uselessin washing down my heart’s gloom for comfort.Basking in the sun under the eaves was my only love,exposing my back in its warmth.Wearily I left the birds in the woods,falling short of my own wish.By royal favor, now I became a crane in a carriage,and received much grace.May my eyes see your pure poemto cure my crudeness? What is in my heart, with you I wish to discuss one by one. The words and expressions are refined (chŏngch’i). He was a natural poet.efined (chŏngch’i). He was a natural poet.)
E477 + (When Yang Saŏn (sobriquet Pongnae) was you … When Yang Saŏn (sobriquet Pongnae) was young, after composing the “Rhapsody on Cinnabar” 丹砂賦, he won the second place in the Literary Licentiate Examination (chinsa) and became famous. Once he visited Kangsŏ Monastery in Hwanghae province. The monk there welcomed him and said, “Are you the guest who wrote the ‘Rhapsody on Cinnabar’?” Yang laughed out loud and composed a quatrain, 風雨無人慰客行江西寺主最歡迎相逢更說丹砂賦殊愧山僧亦認名 In the storm, no one comforted the passing traveler.Yet the abbot of Kangsŏ Monastery was most welcoming.Upon meeting, he even mentioned the “Rhapsody on Cinnabar.”I’m embarrassed a monk in the mountain also recognizes my name.k in the mountain also recognizes my name.)
E367 + (When Yang Saŏn became City Magistrate of K … When Yang Saŏn became City Magistrate of Kangnŭng, my late father had already been serving as County Magistrate of Kosŏng for four years. When my father went to Kangnŭng as an examination official, Yang wrote a poem on a column at Kangsŏn (Immortal Descending) Pavilion in Yangyang, 降仙亭上望仙翁何處鸞笙倚碧空伽樂峰頭斜日落白鷗疏雨海棠紅 At Immortal Descending Pavilion,I gaze at the immortal.Where do you ride your carriage and play the reed pipein the deep blue sky?Over the Karak Summit the sun reclines to the west.White gulls glide in a sparse rain. Sweet brier blossoms are red. My father also wrote a poem matching his rhymes, 臨瀛一訪偓佺翁…玉柱何年揮彩筆驚他海蜃散靑紅 By the sea, I pay a visit to immortal Wo Quan.…What year on jade pillarsdid he wield his colored brush?Surprised, the sea clams ran away both blue and red. the sea clams ran away both blue and red.)
E645 + (When Yang Saŏn visited the Diamond Mountai … When Yang Saŏn visited the Diamond Mountains, he carved a poem on a rock which said, 白玉京蓬萊島浩浩煙波古熙熙風日好碧桃花下閑來往笙鶴一聲天地老 White Jade Capital.Penglai Island.Boundless. Ancient misty waters.Soothing. Fine breeze and sunshine.Under the immortal peach blossoms, idly coming and going.At the sound of reed pipe and crane, Heaven and Earth grow old. The poem has the charm (hŭng) of immortals’ world. At that time, a sŏja by the name of Song Kyŏng 宋暻 (16th century) added to the poem and wrote, 鶴軒昂鳳逶遲三山朝下五雲中飛乾坤三尺杖身世六銖衣好掛長劍巖頭樹手弄淸泉茹紫芝 The crane soars high.The phoenix meanders low.Looking down on the Three Immortal Mountains,amid the five-colored clouds they fly.Heaven and Earth are my three-foot staff.The world is my six-zhu robe. A long sword hangs on a tree at the cliff’s edge.With hands I fondle the clear fountain and eat purple mushrooms. Yang awarded the poem with an extreme praise, and my late brother also praised it fondly.nd my late brother also praised it fondly.)
E371 + (When Yang Saŏn was Prefect of Anbyŏn, Im C … When Yang Saŏn was Prefect of Anbyŏn, Im Che 林悌 (1549–1587) was Superintendent of Kosan station (ch’albang). Im deceivingly said to Yang, “On the wall at Tŏksan station, I saw a seven-character quatrain and copied it down. I suspect it is a work of a military general who guards the borders of this province.” He read the poem to Yang. 胡虜曾窺數十州將軍躍馬取封侯如今絕塞煙塵靜將士閑眠古驛樓 Foreign enemies once watched for their chance in tens of provinces.The general, dashing on the horse, took possession of fiefdoms.Now in the distant frontier,smoke and dust have cleared.The soldiers sleep idly at the old post station. Laughing, Yang responded, “This is not a military man’s work. It must come from your own hands!” Later, Ch’oe Kyŏngch’ang changed “The general, dashing on the horse, took possession of fiefdoms” to “Then, dashing on the horse, I took possession of fiefdoms” 當時躍馬取封侯.e, I took possession of fiefdoms” 當時躍馬取封侯.)
E646 + (When Yang Saŏn was Prefect of Kangnŭng, he … When Yang Saŏn was Prefect of Kangnŭng, he hosted Yi Tal as a guest. Yi was not cautious, so the locals disliked him. My late father sent Yang a letter to defend Yi, and Yang said in reply, “If I treat poorly Yi Tal, who wrote, 桐花夜煙落海樹春雲空 Paulownia blossoms fall in the evening mist.Ocean trees disappear into the spring clouds. how could that be different from the day Prince Chen of Wei lost Ying Yang 應瑒 (d. 217) and Liu Zhen 劉楨 (d. 217)?” However, when Yang’s treatment toward Yi waned, Yi presented a farewell poem, which said, 行子去留際主人眉睫間今朝失黃氣未久憶靑山魯國鶢鶋饗南征薏苡還秋風蘇季子又出穆陵關 The guest came and leftwithin the host’s blink of an eye. This morning you lost your cheerful mood.But before long, you will miss the green hills.The State of Lu offered a feast to a sea bird.A southern expedition returned with Job’s Tears. Feeling the autumn wind, Su Qinonce again leaves Muling Pass. Yang expressed great praise and adoration and treated Yi just as the beginning. This shows how the predecessors admonished each other as friends. How can their refinement and appreciation for talent be also easily attained?iation for talent be also easily attained?)
E830 + (When Yi Chŏnggwi was discharged from his d … When Yi Chŏnggwi was discharged from his duty as Welcoming Official (wŏnjŏpsa), Yi Homin replaced him. Imperial envoy Gu Tianjun was very patronizing. He paid no heed to the Welcoming Official’s poems and at times even scored them out and corrected them. When they arrived at Paeksang Tower, thanks to Yi Annul’s regulated verse “Cui Hao wrote a poem at Yellow Crane Tower” 崔顥題詩黃鶴樓, did Gu begin to pay attention and the humiliation of our country could be avoided. While Yi’s talent was recognized, in the end, he was not offered position as a court official even once and instead was made to roam in provinces and prefectures. That it was a dark time in the dynasty’s history is needless to mention. Living in a time of peace, I pity him.on. Living in a time of peace, I pity him.)
E531 + (When Yi Haeng was Welcoming Official to Fo … When Yi Haeng was Welcoming Official to Foreign Envoys (wŏnjŏpsa), Yi Hŭibo, Chŏng Saryong, and So Seyang were Diplomatic Administrative Attendants (chongsagwan). At Yongman they playfully composed the poem “Crossing the Border, Bidding Farewell to a Kisaeng” 赴域別妓. Yi Haeng wrote the opening line, 來來去去總非情 They come and go, come and go, all without feelings. Following that, all attendants continued, and Yi, Chŏng, and So each wrote a line, 快馬長程紅袖輕辛苦鴨綠江上石前行才破又今行 Traveling a long road on a post horse, her red sleeves are delicate.Poor you! O rocks,by the Amnok River!You were just broken in the last trip, and are broken again today. All who travel to Beijing, when they have a farewell banquet by the Amnok River, pick up a small rock on the shore and breaking it into two give one piece to their lovers as a proof of love—hence the poem. A poem by Su Shi reads, 辛苦驪山山上土阿房才廢又華淸 Poor you! O, the earth on top of the Li Mountain!The Afang Palace was just demolished, and now the Huaqing Palace. Their final lines surely came from this.. Their final lines surely came from this.)
E389 + (When Yi Hubaek governed Hamgyŏng province, … When Yi Hubaek governed Hamgyŏng province, he completely eradicated long-standing malpractices. People of counties and prefectures were almost completely relieved, and powerful and rich towns were drained. The governors who came after him, however, extracted groundless taxes and people began to suffer as a result. Im Che wrote a poem on this to mock and slander. He wrote, 蕙折霜風玉委塵一時淸德動簪紳可憐貊道終難繼相國醫民是病民 Orchids withered in frosts and winds. Jades were left gathering dust.There once was a time pure virtue inspired officials.Ah! The way of the Mo people was difficult to continue in the end.The minister’s cure for peoplebecame the disease of people.re for peoplebecame the disease of people.)
E480 + (When Yi Hwang returned to the south, a gen … When Yi Hwang returned to the south, a generation of famous scholars saw him off at the Han River. Farewell compositions overflew, but Yi Sunin’s poem was the most excellent (ch’oega) of them all. 江水悠悠日夜流孤帆不為客行留家山漸近終南遠也是無愁還有愁 The river idly flows day and night.A lone sail does not linger for the traveler on road.As you get close to the hometown hill, eventually to the distant south,I am not worried,but also worried.t south,I am not worried,but also worried.)
E382 + (When Yi Hwang was returning to the south, … When Yi Hwang was returning to the south, Chŏng Ch’ŏl saw him off at a river and wrote the following poem, 安危去國日風雨出城人離思如春草江南處處新 The day you left the court no matter safety or danger,you became one departing the city through wind and rain. The sorrow of parting, like spring grasses,sprouts fresh everywhere in the river south. He wrote also, 追至廣陵上仙舟已杳冥春風無限思斜日獨登亭 I chased after you to Kwangnŭng,but your immortal’s boat was already far away. Spring breeze carries my boundless thoughts.In the setting sun, I ascend the pavilion alone. setting sun, I ascend the pavilion alone.)
E447 + (When Yi Hyŏnson became friend with Nam Hyo … When Yi Hyŏnson became friend with Nam Hyoon, he wrote the following poem, 水衣緣礎上庭草過牆長水閣靑奴冷岩田腐婢香 Sheets of algae surround the plinths.Plants in the yard are taller than the walls.At the water pavilion, Green Servants are cold.In the stony fields, soy maids are fragrant. He also wrote, 溪禽帶雨全身濕山柿經霜半臉紅 Water birds in the rain are soaked all over.Mountain persimmons after a frost are red on one cheek.immons after a frost are red on one cheek.)
E571 + (When Yi Kok went to China as Literary Secr … When Yi Kok went to China as Literary Secretary (sŏjanggwan), he saw four fair ladies on the blue tower by the roadside, hiding behind a vermilion shade and spraying water toward Yi. Yi immediately pulled out a plain white fan from his bag and wrote a quatrain on it and gave it to them. The poem said, 兩兩佳人弄夕暉靑樓珠箔共依依無端一片陽臺雨飛灑三韓御史衣 Two by two, fair ladies play in the sunset glow.At the blue tower behind pearly screens, they linger together.Without warning, a spell of rain from the balconysprinkles the robe of a censor from Samhan. When Yi returned, the ladies prepared fragrant wine and fine food and invited him from the road and thanked him. Recently, Literary Secretary (sŏjanggwan) Cho Hwi went to Beijing. On the journey he met a beautiful woman, who was traveling with a gauze cover over her face. Cho wrote a quatrain on a plain white fan and gave it to her. The poem said, 也羞行路護冰紗淸夜微雲漏月華約束蜂腰纖一掬羅裙新剪石榴花 Too shy, you travel the road covered in a crystal veil.On a clear night, cloudlets hide the moonlight.Tying your tiny waist is a silk sash two-hands-wide.Your newly tailored silk skirt has pomegranate blossoms. Cho is a philanderer and he followed her to her house. She had unrivaled beauty. She made trousers for Cho out of red silk and treated him with utmost cordiality. There was another scholar from our country who went to China and on the way met a beautiful woman traveling on a donkey-pulled carriage. The scholar leaned on the gate and gazed at her. He approached her with a two-line poem and requested her to compose the next couplet. His poem said, 心逐紅裝去身空獨倚門 My heart has left, following your red dress.My empty body alone leans on the gate. The beauty stopped the donkey and after composing the joining lines, she left. Her two lines said, 驢嗔車載重添卻一人魂 The donkey complains the carriage is heavy,after just adding a man’s soul.e is heavy,after just adding a man’s soul.)
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.)
E494 + (When Yi Tŏkhyŏng 李德馨 (1561–1613; sobriquet … When Yi Tŏkhyŏng 李德馨 (1561–1613; sobriquet Hanŭm [Han River Shade]) was Welcoming Official (chŏpbansa) to Ming General Li Rusong 李如松 (1549–1598), Li heard that the enemy feigned peace, but because he hesitated he missed the opportune time. One day, when General Li put on view a “Painting of the Battle of Red Cliffs” 赤壁圖, Yi wrote the following poem, 勝敗分明一局棋兵家最忌是遲疑須知赤壁無前績只在將軍斫案時 Victory and defeat are determined in a game of chess.The greatest taboo for a military strategist is this: hesitation.He should know that at Red Cliffs,the unprecedented victorywas possible only when the general hacked the table with his sword. The language was satirical (kyup’ung), and Li gave his nod.satirical (kyup’ung), and Li gave his nod.)
E579 + (When Yu Kŭn stopped over in Ch’ungch’ŏng p … When Yu Kŭn stopped over in Ch’ungch’ŏng province, he held a banquet with all attending officials at Kongbuk Tower. All through the night, he indulged in wine and just when he was getting high, he suddenly heard a rooster’s crow. Yu asked, “What sound is this?” because he did not like how the time was approaching the dawn. A kisaeng, named Yangdaeun 陽臺雲 (16th century), then turned to him and said, “That is the sound of an egret by the river.” Yu liked how she responded to his intent and commended her quick wit. He then ordered the guests to compose poems. Scholar-official Hong Nansang, who at the time was Magistrate of Munŭi county, was also present there. He first uttered a quatrain. 酒半高樓畫燭明錦城絲管正轟轟佳人恐敗風流興笑道雞聲是鷺聲 Half drunk at a tall tower where the painted candles are bright.In the brocade city, strings and pipes are just booming.A fair lady, afraid of spoiling the delight of merry-making,says with a smile that a rooster’s cry is an egret’s cry. The governor read and praised it. For a time, the poem was relished (hoeja). It is said that the literati of Ch’ungch’ŏng province used the last verse as a topic and wrote many poems.ast verse as a topic and wrote many poems.)
E728 + (When Yu Tosam 柳道三 (b. 1609; sobriquet Chah … When Yu Tosam 柳道三 (b. 1609; sobriquet Chahaong [Purple Cloud Elder]) was sent to Hamgyŏng province on an official mission, he traveled throughout the province to be entertained at places with kisaeng and wine. On his return route, he arrived at Anbyŏn county’s Sŏgwang Monastery and composed the following regulated verse, 三千官路往來忙到底繁華閱幾場即此機心還寂寞從前豪興太癲狂晨鐘洗盡笙歌耳晚茗淸開酒肉腸暫借蒲團成一睡滿山松籟夢中涼 Along three thousand-li of official roadI have busily traveled. Oh, how many bustling gatherings have I attended!Now, this confused mind returns to quiet solitude.How frivolous were the exuberant pleasuresof the bygone days!Morning bells wash away music and singing from my ears.Evening tea rinses out wine and meat from my innards. I borrow a rushy prayer mat and have a sleep.The music of pines filling the mountains keeps me cool in dream. The spiritual experience (kyŏngji) of being set free (t’alswe) from the bustling world, the message and charm (ŭich’wi) of quiet leisure (ch’ŏnghan), and the reunion of poem and spirit are expressed in words in an easy and refreshing (sosang) manner. Such ability and style (chaegyŏk) cannot be conceived by an ordinary person.cannot be conceived by an ordinary person.)
E337 + (When Yun Kyŏl 尹潔 (1517–1548; styled Changw … When Yun Kyŏl 尹潔 (1517–1548; styled Changwŏn) was a child, while watching the Lantern Festival celebration at night, his father ordered him to compose a couplet. Yun said, 長星火星爛爛然一層二層三四層 Shooting stars and sparks brightly glow,One layer, two layers, three, four layers. Recognizing his talent for poetry, his father urged him to study even harder.his father urged him to study even harder.)
E876 + (When an imperial envoy came, Yi Haeng serv … When an imperial envoy came, Yi Haeng served as Welcoming Official (wŏnjŏpsa) and Chŏng Saryong and others as Diplomatic Administrative Attendants (chongsagwan). When the time came for his return, all of them presented a farewell poem to him. There were long poems with outstanding (kŏl) lines, fragrant and colorful (ullyŏp), gleaming with light (ch’oech’an), but the envoy did not commend any of them but only the following quatrain by Yi Haeng, 明月莫須出天風休更吹月出有驚鳥風吹無定枝 Bright moon! Please don’t rise.Heaven’s wind! Please don’t blow again.For the rising moon will startle the birdsand the blowing wind will leave no branches still. The imperial envoy did not stop praising it, and Chŏng secretly thought it was strange. After returning to the court, Chŏng quietly recited the lines for several months, and only then did he begin to appreciate their exquisiteness (myo). At the time of separation, people are easily moved by what they see. For example, the rising moon can startle the birds and the blowing wind can sway the branches. All these can add to the sorrow of parting, expressing meaning beyond words (ŏn oe chi ŭi). The reason for the imperial envoy’s commendation perhaps lies in this.envoy’s commendation perhaps lies in this.)
E632 + (When as a young man Kim Allo visited Kangw … When as a young man Kim Allo visited Kangwŏn province, he had a dream. In the dream a spirit recited, 春融禹甸山川外樂奏虞庭鳥獸間 Spring permeates Yu’s field, beyond mountains and rivers.Music is played at Shun’s court amid birds and beasts. and told him, “These are the words that will get you on the road.” Waking up, Kim wrote them down. The next year, when he took the examination in the palace courtyard, King Yŏnsan’gun presented as six regulated poems as the examination, which included a poem with a topic “One spring day, the Pear Garden musicians idly read musical scores at Deep Fragrance Pavilion” written to the rhyme of “idle” 閑. Thinking that the phrase was appropriate, Kim used it and submitted his composition. Examination Master Kang Hon greatly extolled him and made him a primus. Examination Official Kim An’guk, who was known for his understanding of literature, remarked, “This phrase is a saying by a ghost, not a poem by a human.” After repeatedly questioning, Kim Allo acknowledged that was the case and people were impressed by Kim An’guk’s expert judgment.impressed by Kim An’guk’s expert judgment.)

C044 + (When compared to Chŏng Sŭmmyŏng’s poem, this poem is on par.)

E726 + (When exchanging poems with imperial envoys … When exchanging poems with imperial envoys, our literati have always used regulated verses. Even a master poet (taesu) like Chŏng Saryong, when it came to ancient style poems and long verses, was not as competent. Only Kwŏn P’il had a deep understanding of ancient style poetry. His poems, “Ch’ungju Rock” 忠州石and “Seeing off Cultivated Talent Ho” 送胡秀才, are exceptional (chŏlga), unlike other Korean examples that focus only on the flow of parallelism. Lately, Chŏng Tugyŏng 鄭斗卿 (1597–1673; styled Kunp’yŏng; sobriquet Tongmyŏng [East Sea]) stood out among his generation of poets. Having divested himself of the habit of flash and wasteful (pumi) composition, Chŏng composed songs (gexing) which were robust (unggŏn) and carefree (chunil), equalling those by High Tang poets. For example, his “Knight-Errant’s Poem” 俠客篇 reads, 幽州胡馬客匕首碧於水荊卿西入咸陽日待者何人此子是惜哉不與俱藏名屠狗家空對燕山秋月色時時吹笛落梅花 The Turkish horseman from Youzhou, his dagger bluer than the water.The day Jing Ke entered Xianyang in the west,who did Jing wait for? It was he!Alas! The two did not meet.Concealing his name, the knight became a dog butcher. Empty, he meets the autumn moon at Mount Yan, time and again playing the flute amid falling plum petals. A poem of this quality is rare even among Tang poems. Critics have said, “Among our country’s literary works, there are two that have surpassed the accomplishment of the past dynasty and can even stand on a par with Chinese works: namely, Im Sugyŏng’s parallel prose (pianliwen) and Chŏng Tugyŏng’s songs (gexing).”iwen) and Chŏng Tugyŏng’s songs (gexing).”)
E440 + (When he was an early teen, Yi Chono 李存吾 (1 … When he was an early teen, Yi Chono 李存吾 (1341–1371) composed “Rising River” 江漲. 大野皆為沒孤山獨不降 Great fields have all been swallowed.Solitary Mountain alone did not surrender. We can imagine his will and integrity. When faced with the change of dynasty, with his unyielding integrity, how could he have hidden himself in a garden? Solitary Mountain (Ko Mountain) is in Yŏju, Kyŏnggi province, where Yi Chono lived.u, Kyŏnggi province, where Yi Chono lived.)
E583 + (When he was twenty, First Counselor (pujeh … When he was twenty, First Counselor (pujehak) Hong Kyŏngsin had a poetic fame. In the kimyo year of the Wanli reign (1579; Sŏnjo 12), he visited Mt. Samgak and wrote two poems. One of them reads, 五六春衣潔靑山步履徐雲台崔瑩上石闕愍王居綠樹藏啼鳥淸流出戲魚迷花不知路何處訪秦余 Five, six of us in clean spring clothesslowly stroll in the blue mountain.General Ch’oe Yŏng ascended the Cloud Platform.King Kongmin lives in the stone palace. Weeping birds hide in green trees.Playing fish surface from clear currents. Lost in flowers, I do not know the way.Where can I visit the remnants of Qin? The other reads, 華岳多奇勝春來興更牽人隨流水入寺在亂峰前夜露滋三秀天風動萬年高僧時過我相對不知眠 How amazing is the Flower Mountain!When spring comes, it brings out more excitement.Following the flowing stream, people enterthe temple before the rugged peaks.Night dews moisten magic mushrooms.Heavenly breeze has been moving for ten thousand years.Just then a monk passes by me.Standing face to face, I don’t know if I am in sleep. His style (kyŏkcho) comes close to Tang poetry (kŭndang). If he can progress continually, how could he just stop at being a celebrated official of today? Then it would be possible for his poetry to be passed down.possible for his poetry to be passed down.)
E629 + (When he was young, Yi Tal studied Du Fu’s … When he was young, Yi Tal studied Du Fu’s poetry from Chŏng Saryong. One day, Chŏng ordered Yi to take a look at all the books on his shelves. When Yi saw the Ch’unjŏng chip春亭集 (Collected Works of Ch’unjŏng), he threw it on the ground. He opened and read the Maegye chip 梅溪集 (Collected Works of Maegye), then closed it with a smile on his face for he did not think highly of it. He only took the Chŏmp’ilchae chip 佔畢齋集 (Collected Works of Chŏmp’ilchae) and read it without stopping. When Yi inspected the book, Chŏng had made comments and crossed out parts of the book because he liked them and wished to take from them materials for his poems. When asked about the best phrase of his life, Chŏng replied, “People say, 山木俱鳴風乍起江聲忽厲月孤懸 Mountain trees sing togetherat the sudden gust of wind. River sounds suddenly raceunder the lonely hanging moon. is forceful and beautiful (ch’oryŏ). They also say, 峯頂星搖爭缺月樹顚禽動竄深蕞 The swaying stars above the peaks compete with waning moon.The stirred birds on treetops scurry off into deep woods. is clever (kyosa). But the two are not as good as this: 雨氣壓霞山忽暝川華受月夜猶明 Rain mists press on the evening glow. Mountains suddenly grow dim.River sprays engulf the moon. The night is still bright. This appears to be divinely assisted (sinjo).s appears to be divinely assisted (sinjo).)
E378 + (When he was young, Yun Kyŏl wrote the foll … When he was young, Yun Kyŏl wrote the following verse, 簪笏百年無好手江湖千里有奇才 Among officials of a hundred years, none has gifted hands. A thousand li away in rivers and lakes, there are wondrous talents. My late father recited this to Sŏ Kyŏngdŏk 徐敬德 (1489–1546; sobriquet Hwadam [Flower Pond]) and Sŏ said, “The poem appears to show his gift but is not far-reaching (wŏndae).”is gift but is not far-reaching (wŏndae).”)
E751 + (When he was young, my great-great-grandfat … When he was young, my great-great-grandfather Im Yŏl 任說 (1510–1591) read the Han Changli quanji 韓昌黎全集 (Complete Collection of Writings by Han Yu) a thousand times. He passed the Classics Licentiate (saengwŏn) and Licentiate examinations, Special Civil Service Examination (pyŏlsi), Second Civil Service Examination (chungsi), another Second Civil Service Examination, Examination for Selecting the Worthy (paryŏngsi), and Examination for Promoting the Worthy (t’agyŏngsi). Through his successes in seven civil service examinations, his literary reputation was known throughout the world. Together with Yi Hwang, No Susin and others, he was selected to enter the Hall of Reading (toksŏdang). As for official career, he advanced to Chief Magistrate (p’anyun) and Deputy Director of the Office of Royal Decrees (chehak). His collection of writings in fifteen volumes was lost to fire during the Imjin War. Some of his surviving writings and calligraphy can be seen in the poems at viewing towers but none of them became widely known. At No Susin’s house there is “The Ten Green Pavilion Poetry Album” 十靑亭詩貼, a compilation of poems by the writers of his generation, including my great-great-grandfather’s ten seven-character regulated verses. They are, 詠松龍鱗錯落挺千章棟廈高材百丈強天地有情生勁操霜雪無計判剛腸藍田日晚留丞詠栗里秋深伴菊香約在後凋休負約歲寒珍重郁蒼蒼 Pines Dragon scales were strewn over a thousand upright trees.Beams for a mansion, quality lumber. Over a hundred foot tall. Heaven and Earth, with affection, birthed your firm integrity.Frost and snow, without effect, tried to divide your upright heart. In Indigo Fields under the late sun, lingering minister chants his poems.At Chestnut Village in the deep of autumn,your companion chrysanthemums are fragrant.You promised to wither late,so don’t break your promise.The cold season treasuresyour lush green color. 詠柏直干穿雲得地幽亭亭一節不驚秋煙籠深蓋靑無盡月透疏枝玉未收弱柳幾慚衰謝質狂飆莫試折摧謀扶持自是乾坤力廊廟何煩匠石求 CedarsStraight trees, piercing the clouds,bring shade to the ground. With lofty and unchanging integrity,you are not startled by autumn.Cloaked in a thick misty veil,you are forever green.The moonlight crosses your sparse branches,but jade you have not received.How embarrassed are the delicate willowsby their shrivelled body?Stormy gales have not succeededin their scheme of destruction.Sustained naturallyby the force of Heaven and Earth.Fit for the royal court, where is the needto seek Carpenter Shi? 詠檜夭矯名雄植物曹枝垂左紐節應高笑看落木吾心壯傲睨獰風自守牢凜冽容顏千尺肅森嚴氣像十分豪不因冷暖紛遷就封植年年豈憚勞 Cypresses Graceful manners, famed for valor, among the generation of plants.Low hanging branches, left-turning patterns,your integrity must be great.Laughing at the withering trees,my heart is steadfast.Looking down at ferocious storms,you preserve yourself in chains. Your intensely cold appearanceis a thousand-foot respectful.The solemn air about you is altogether valiant. Unaffected by cold and warm,you keep persevering.Cultivating yourself year after year,is it not arduous? 詠杉松柏前頭不語寒豈知幽客亦彈冠霙花未敢窺門闥朔吹何曾動肺肝護我靑蔥容莫變笑他衰歇氣先闌榮腓朝夕非吾事唯願冬春一樣看 Firs Before the pines and cypresses,you don’t discuss the cold. Who would have thought that a hermitwas also flicking his cap?Snowflakes have not daredto peep at your gate.When did the north windmove your innards?Guarding your lush green colors,you do not change your appearance, and laugh at those who wither,when their vigor starts to wane. “Blooming and withering, morning and evening,these are not my concerns.This is my only wish. Winter or spring,may I will always stay the same.” 海松深居海岳早知名不易惟存歲暮盟枝老會看鸞鳳宿材宏直指棟梁成涼飔初鼓淸笙咽凍雨方沾翠幔橫耳目少閑佳趣富相公心賞足平生 Ocean PinesYou dwell in deep oceans and mountains,and early have I heard of your renown.“I will not falter. I will survive.”At year’s end you take your vow.Old branches, there I can seewhere the phoenixes spend their nights.Magnificent trunks, pointing straight up,are fit to become ridgepoles.Cool autumn breeze begins to fan,filled with clear music of pipes.A gust of rain just drenchedthe spread-out green curtains.Ears and eyes can barely restover the richness of your excellent charm.Having won Chief Minister’s admiration,you should be content for life. 詠真松百昌從古賦形殊氣概同歸是一趨碧帶挼絲搖檻外靑鸞展翅映牆隅春來樹葉渾無別雪後龍髯獨不枯說許真松應有意方人安得理相孚 True PinesHundreds of creatures since antiquityhave been endowed with different forms. Yet their vital energy all return,and in this they are the same. Green sashes made from soft silksway outside the balustrade.Blue orioles with stretched wingsappear in the corner of the wall. In spring, trees and leavesblend without distinction.After a snow, the dragon’s beardalone does not wither. People’s calling you true pinesmust have a reason. How can a person attainprinciple comparable to yours? 詠赤木問名不答是何因取貌論名恐喪真正由灼中當赤外直從觀物可觀人虯枝過雨紅猶濕黛葉經冬綠尚均形色滿眸終莫改只應相對會心神 Larches When asked your name, you do not answer.What is the reason?Seeing your face and discussing your fame,I’m afraid of losing the truth.The true reason for your radiancemust be other than your redness.By observing the things,one can observe the person.A rain passes through your winding branches,making you red and wet.Going through winter your dark leavesare green just the same.Your figure and color filling my eyesdo not change even to the end.We shall see each other face to faceand meet heart to heart in spirit. 詠杜衝同氣相求共作林追隨應是遇知音芳洲草滿人誰問香甕春濃客不吟擇地晦蹤藏姓字傲寒堅操守初心去留已定移無所莫向華扁藥譜尋 Hardy Rubber Trees Those with same vigor seek each otherand together form a woodland.Your pursuit must befinding a friend who understands your tune. The flowering isles are full of plants.Who shall I ask?The jar of wine is fragrant. Spring is deep.The traveler does not write poems.You’ve picked a place, hidden your trace,and concealed your name.In a severe cold, with firm integrity,you preserve your original intent.Leaving and staying are already determined,with no place to go. Don’t be like Hua and Bianwho sought you for prescription. 詠黃楊急盛招衰物也人好將謙退處吾身性堅不染三年大進寸休論十抱珍滿壑樹林摧一雪倚牆枝葉保長春東坡不識幽潛志謾取塵寰閏歲陳 Box Trees Hasty growth invites declinefor things as well as for people. It’s good to withdraw politelyand live in seclusion.By nature you are firm and untainted,in three years reaching maturity.Don’t say you grow slowly.Ten arms-length wide, you are a rare beauty.The trees that fill the valleyare overcome after just one snowfall. Your branches and leaves lean on the wall,preserving their youth.Su Shi did not understand your profound intentand disrespectfully claimed in the dusty world you face disaster in the leap year. 詠榧子園莽蕭條六出中孤姿獨秀玉山東三彭勿說驅除苦一筆難尋滑淨工今日入庭無剪伐他年近檻益榮蔥殷勤無替栽培力十友相將好始終 Torreyas Garden plants turn desolateunder hexagonal snowflakes. Your solitary disposition surpasses allto the east of Jade Mountain.The Three Pengs have nothing to sayfor you drive away adversities.With one brush stroke, it’s difficult to capture your smooth and pure skills.Today you entered the garden,untouched by the woodcutter. Another year, by the balustrade,you will flourish even more. Passionately, without changing,cultivate your strength.May the ten friends beclose from beginning to end. His poems, completely divested of flowery colors, valued gloomy and melancholy (ch’imul), and simple and robust (honung). Yi Sik composed an epitaph for him, and in it he said, “Im was erudite and had good memory. In poetry and prose, he particularly esteemed vigor and style (kygyŏk).” What Yi recorded is true.style (kygyŏk).” What Yi recorded is true.)
E108 + (When he was young, the fortune teller Kim … When he was young, the fortune teller Kim Ryun 金倫 (16th century) wandered through Hyang Mountain in P’yŏngan province and other places. There, he met a hermit named Yi Ch’ŏnnyŏn 李千年 (16th century) and joined him on travels to numerous mountains for six or seven years. During this time, Kim learned several divination techniques from Yi. When the time came for Kim to bid farewell and return, Ch’ŏnnyŏn presented the following poem, 八十山中老三彭已掃除人間應不夢鶴伴意無餘雪榻蟾光冷雲牕日影疏誰知無累鑑萬代自淸虚 Eighty years old now, I age in the mountains.The Gods of Three Corpses, already swept clean. The mortal world I do not dream.With a crane as my company, there is nothing else I desire.On the snow-covered bed shines the cold moon glare.Through the cloud-shrouded window, sparse sunlight enters.Who knows of the unstained mirrorwhich for ten thousand generations stays pure and empty? To his young servant, who was thirteen or fourteen years old, Yi also presented a handwritten poem that said, 天地無家山水客生涯一句意如如苔痕山路白雲鎖月影淸泠竹影疏 Without a home in the world, I am a guest of mountains and rivers.My life in one line:Aspire to Thusness.Mossy mountain trails are locked up in white clouds.The moonlight pure and cold casts sparse shadows of bamboo. He also wrote this poem, 碧山雲萬疊滄海闊無邊爲問緣何事歸心北闕懸 Blue mountain is amid ten thousand layers of clouds.Azure sea is vast and boundless.May I ask you? Whydoes your heart yearn to return to the Northern Palace? His poetic style (sigyŏk) is lofty and ancient (kogo), and his calligraphy unique and robust (kigŏn). Even his servant was gifted in poetry and had an extraordinary calligraphic style. Clearly, Yi was not an ordinary hermit. Some say he was Chŏng Hŭiryang 鄭希良 (1469–1502).say he was Chŏng Hŭiryang 鄭希良 (1469–1502).)
E566 + (When it came to writing, Ch’oe Rip (sobriq … When it came to writing, Ch’oe Rip (sobriquet Tonggo [Eastern Shore]) was not very tolerant of others. When he was appointed to go to Beijing as an Enquirer (chikchŏnggwan), Yi I and Chŏng Ch’ŏl came together to visit him, and poet Yi Tal also arrived with wine. The three sat around and talked. Looking at Yi I, Yi Tal said, “Did you write a farewell poem?” Yi I pulled the poem out from his sleeve and showed it to him. The poem said, 幽意忽惆悵秋風生遠林那堪抱歸興更值別知音路憂川原闊天高雨露深回程報殊渥邦慶動宸心 Deep in thought, I am suddenly saddenedas autumn winds rise in the distant forest.How can I bear homesick feelings,even so before a farewell with a friend who understands my sound?The journey is hard through vast rivers and plains.The sky is high with thick rains and dews.When you return, tell me about special favor received.For the foreign minister will move the emperor’s heart. Ch’oe glanced at it and put it aside to his right. Chŏng asked, “How’s the poem by Sukhŏn (Yi I)?” Ch’oe replied, “Lately, when asked by the king, Chief Minister said he was good at writing political discourse because he was indeed good at writing political discourse.” Chŏng said, “This scholar’s writing has its root in the Learning of Nature and Principle. How could you speak of it lightly?” Ch’oe laughed and said, “I don’t how about his scholarship, but as for literature, how could he even peep over my outer wall?” His arrogance was excessive like this. Sukhŏn is Yi I’s style name.ve like this. Sukhŏn is Yi I’s style name.)
M086 + (When millions of jade dragons clashed over the pearly sun, the God of Waves in the sea picked up their fallen scales. Secretly, to the spring breeze he tried to sell them. Handily, the Lord of Spring scattered them in the dusty world of mortals.)
E765 + (When my late father visited China as Vice- … When my late father visited China as Vice-Envoy (pusa), he exchanged great many poems with Chief Envoy (chŏngsa) Hong Myŏngha 洪命夏 (1608–1667; sobriquet Kich’ŏn [Ki River]) along the way His poem “To the Rhymes of “Stranded by Rain in Kŭmch’ŏn” 金川阻雨次韻 reads, 羈愁和苦雨終夜攪心頭忽憶陶元亮仍思馬少游窗寒殘燭暗峽擁晚嵐浮靡監身當瘁驅馳不敢休 The traveler’s sorrow complements the bitter rain.All night long, my heart is troubled.Suddenly, I recall Tao Qian,then think about Ma Yuan’s cousin.By the cold window, the dying candle grows dark.Surrounded by the gorge, the evening mist drifts on.Untiring official duties surely wear down the body,but galloping on horse, I dare not rest. His poem “To the Rhymes of “Jade River Residence” 玉河館次韻reads, 異地飛灰變徵宮風煙不與漢陽同玉河落月長歌裏華岳高峰短夢中把酒禁愁杯亞綠題詩排悶燭搖紅休言故國三千遠一出朝陽便是東 Ashes fly in the foreign land, and the music has changed.The mist in the air is unlike that of Hanyang.The setting moon over the Jade River is in my long songs.Hua Mountain’s high crests are in my fleeting dream. Wine in hand, I endure sorrow, holding a green chalice.Writing a poem, I chase away gloom, under the shifting red candlelight.Please don’t say that homeland is three thousand li away.Once we leave Chaoyang, that is our eastern kingdom. Responding to my father’s poem, Hong said, “Vice-Envoy’s poetic skills are matchless.” Hong once said, “Although it might seem like a joke, it is true.”gh it might seem like a joke, it is true.”)
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.)
E880 + (When my maternal uncle Governor (kwanch’al … When my maternal uncle Governor (kwanch’alsa) Kim was young, he traveled to remote places in Kap’yŏng and saw a poem by Yang Saŏn carved on a rock. 金水銀沙一樣平峽雲江雨白鷗明尋真誤入桃源路莫遣漁舟出洞行 Golden waters and silvery sands,both are serene alike.Gorge clouds and river rains,white gulls are radiant.Searching for an immortal, I’ve mistakenly entered the path to the Peach Spring.Please don’t send my fishing boatout of the immortals’ grotto. His calligraphy and style (sigyŏk) were timeless (ch’anggo) and delightful (kahŭi). Few in the world know about the poem.ŭi). Few in the world know about the poem.)
E563 + (When others point out the flaws in their w … When others point out the flaws in their writings, some scholar-writers are happy and willing to receive advice and change their writings until it flows well, while some become indignant and furious to realize their fault yet do not make changes in their writings. Ki Taesŭng took pride in his own writings and did not willingly give in to others. As a Drafter of Royal Decrees (chijegyo), he submitted a composition written on the king’s behalf. When Royal Secretary (sŭngji) at Royal Secretariat (Sŭngjŏngwŏn) handed it to him with notes on his flaws (chabyŏng), Ki became furious and loudly rebuked junior officials and did not change a single word. When Yu Kŭn was First Royal Secretary (tosŭngji), Yi Homin submitted a composition. Yu made many comments and asked Yi to make changes, but Yi changed some but others. Yu still sent an official and asked Yi to change over and over. Again, in his note on the character “hap” 欱, Yu asked “What is this character?” Yi sneered and said, “Has Yu only read Korean poetry and prose and not the Wenxuan 文選 (Selections of Refined Literature)? Then he wrote an annotation, which reads, “The Wenxuan has it ‘He drank up the fields and spewed out mountains’ 欱野噴山 and ‘He drank up the Feng River and churned out the Hao River’ 欱灃吐鄗. Hap is an ancient word for “hŭp” 吸 (to drink). Yu again sent an official and asked Yi to try his best to change it. Thereupon, Yi became furious and loudly rebuked the official. Yu felt greatly ashamed, and from then on even when Yi submitted clumsy writing, Yu did not dare to ask him to change it, fearing that he would be angry again. Chŏng Saryong showed to people every poem he composed. If someone told him the poem’s flaw (cha), he always humbly accepted their advice with delight and changed the poem until it flowed smoothly. He often showed his writings to Yi Hwang. If Yi pointed out a blemish in the jade, Chŏng got his brush out immediately and changed it without slightest hesitation. Yi also lauded Chŏng for not rejecting his advice. At an examination in court, Yi composed a regulated verse in twenty lines on the topic of the “Pavilion of Prince Teng” 滕王閣. Yi asked Chŏng if he could see Chŏng’s verse, and Chŏng showed Yi his draft. When Yi read up to the lines, 納日檐虛先曉白透風寮薄未秋涼 Catching the sun, its empty eaves glow first at dawn.Letting in the wind, its thin windows are cool before autumn.Yi applauded in praise and said, “Each work of literature has its own natural craftsman. In today’s examination, who will be the primus if not you?” Then Yi put his own poem in the sleeve and did not take it out, and he left without submitting his paper. and he left without submitting his paper.)
E664 + (When scholar Yun Myŏn 尹勉 (16th century) wa … When scholar Yun Myŏn 尹勉 (16th century) was traveling in Chŏlla province on an official mission, he came upon a thatched hut in a mountain. An old man was sitting under a tree with his legs stretched out and pants rolled up to expose bare legs. On the table was a book. When Yun opened it up to read, the man snatched it away and said, “My works do not deserve to be read.” Yun only read the first poem “On Combing” 詠梳, which said, 木梳梳了竹梳梳梳却千回蝨已除安得大梳長萬丈盡梳黔首蝨無餘 Combing with a wooden comb,combing with a bamboo comb.Combing a thousand times, lice have been swept clean.How do I get a comb ten-thousand-feet-longto comb people’s headsuntil no louse remains? When Yun asked for his name, the man did not answer and disappear. (Some say he was Yu Hoin, a Literary Licentiate (chinsa) from Chŏnju.)Literary Licentiate (chinsa) from Chŏnju.))
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.)
E605 + (When the Yuan Empire sent the evil monk (1 … When the Yuan Empire sent the evil monk (1354), the entire country was shocked, and our King T’aejo led an auxiliary force and defeated him. Prince Tŏkhŭng 德興君 (14th century) was overthrown, and King Kongmin awarded our king for his accomplishment. Upon his triumphant return, the king ordered Yi Saek and King T’aejo to participate in government. On the day of the announcement of their appointment, delighted King Kongmin said to those around, “I am appointing Yi Saek as a civil official and Yi Sŏnggye as a military official. How’s my choice of people?” King T’aejo and Yi Saek had deep friendship. King T’aejo invited Yi Saek to name the main hall of his house and Yi gave it the name “Pine Studio.” Yi wrote words of advice to encourage him and also composed the “Epitaph of Great Ancestor” 桓祖碑文. Later, Yi Saek fled far, his sons Yi Chonghak 李種學 (1361–1392) and Yi Chongsŏn 李種善 (1368–1438) were both sent into exile, and his students Chŏng Ch’ong 鄭摠 (1358–1397) and Chŏng Tojŏn attacked him without sparing effort. Then Yi Saek composed the following poem, 松軒當國我流離夢裏何曾有此思二鄭況聞參大議一家完聚更何時 As Pine Terrace takes the throne, I am forced to wander about.Even in a dream how could I have imagined this!I hear even the two Chŏngs have joined the government.When will the whole family get together again? Although the opening line does not have pompous air, its meaning (ŭi) is very arrogant.us air, its meaning (ŭi) is very arrogant.)
E911 + (When the imperial envoy Qi Shun came, Sŏ K … When the imperial envoy Qi Shun came, Sŏ Kŏjŏng served as a Welcoming Official (wŏnjŏpsa). One day, when they were visiting Chech’ŏn Pavilion by the Han River, Sŏ first composed the following lines, 風月不隨黃鶴去煙波長送白鷗來 Wind and moon do not follow and leave with yellow cranes.Mists and waves always call for white gulls to come. as if to challenge Qi. The envoy then immediately matched the lines, 百濟地形臨水盡五臺泉脉自天來 Paekche’s terrain overlooks the river.Odae’s fountainhead flows from Heaven.He turned to Sŏ, asking, “Am I right or not?” Sŏ was demoralized. My predecessors mocked Sŏ, saying, “Sŏ tripped him up first but next he fell to the ground.” Perhaps it is because while Sŏ’s line “Mists and waves ...” is simply descriptive of the landscape that can be used anywhere, Qi’s line “Paekche’s terrain ...” captures the true vista of the Han River. Qi, a Chinese, who had not visited the site before, appreciated the landscape and depicted it in one line. Within a very short time, Qi phrased (choŏ) an exceptional expression, and this surely alarmed Sŏ. Once I was discussing poetry with fellow literati. I commented, “These two lines by Sŏ drew on a couplet in a poem by Ch’ae Hongch’ŏl. Sŏ only changed two words, ‘chase each other’ 相逐’ with ‘always call for’ 長送, and for this, he deserves a jeer.”Everyone was shocked, saying, “Sŏ is a master poet (taega) of our country. How could he have completely plagiarized someone else’s lines like that? It must be Ch’ae who slavishly plagiarized (p’yojŏl) Sŏ’s lines and used them in his poem.” I replied, “Ch’ae was a person from the Koryŏ dynasty. His poem ‘Wŏryŏng Terrace’ 月影臺 is clearly recorded in the Tongmunsŏn (Anthology of Eastern Literature). Is it Ch’ae who copied Sŏ’s poem, or Sŏ who copied Ch’ae’s poem? Moreover, the Tongmunsŏn was compiled by Sŏ on official order. Sŏ’s ears and eyes must have been familiar with the poem. Sŏ must have used them because wished to see the envoy raise the flag in defeat. Everyone finally understood what had happened. Those who came later and transmitted these lines attribute them to Sŏ and did not know Ch’ae was the original author. I laughed to myself, saying, “Ch’ae was unfortunate to have met Sŏ and lost his own striking expression (kyŏngŏ), but he is fortunate to have met me who illuminates the poem’s author and plagiarist. If Ch’ae learns about this in the Nine Springs, he would clap his hands in joy, saying, ‘How satisfying!’”s hands in joy, saying, ‘How satisfying!’”)
E877 + (When the imperial envoy Tang Gao came, Yi … When the imperial envoy Tang Gao came, Yi Haeng served as Welcoming Official (wŏnjŏpsa) and Chŏng Saryong, So Seyang, and Yi Hŭibo as Diplomatic Administrative Attendants (chongsagwan). Tang refused to write poems. Arriving in South P’yŏngan province, he began to write a poem to the rhymes of the two couplets on the poetry plaque. His poem reads, 佳句偶來樓上見旅懷只向客邊傷龍飛有詔頒高麗鳳去何人嘆楚狂 Excellent lines of poetry I sawwhile visiting a tower by chance. The traveler’s heart achesonly in a foreign place.The dragon soared with an imperial edictto promulgate it in Koryŏ.Now that the phoenix has departed, for whom will the madman of Chu lament? Tang showed his poem to all attending officials. Yi Hŭibo thought lightly of the poem and readily pointed out its flaws (chabyŏng). So Seyang stated, “His words in this verse are profound (simhu). He must be a master poet (taesu).” Chŏng Saryong also agreed. Yi Haeng remarked, “Ryŏ 麗 is pronounced li in Chinese. I am afraid he made a mistake with level and oblique tones. So replied, “That is not correct. The name ‘Koryŏ’ originally signified ‘High Mountains and Beautiful Waters’ 高山麗水. Although ryŏ is pronounced li by the Chinese, we still follow the oblique tone. The envoy must have taken that into consideration.” Yi accepted So’s explanation. Since that event, they did not stop exchanging poems, and Tang’s poems became better and better. In admiration, Yi said, “He is a genius (ch’ŏnjae).” Tang also recognized Yi as a veteran in the world of poetry. He admonished the Vice-Envoy (pusa) not to think lightly of Yi.e-Envoy (pusa) not to think lightly of Yi.)
E271 + (When the imperial envoy Wang He came, Chŏn … When the imperial envoy Wang He came, Chŏng Saryong and Hong Sŏm were appointed as Welcoming Officials, and they accompanied Wang at Yongman. Chŏng presented a poem to Hong, and its third couplet said, 摩壘氣沮宜退舍襲蘭心折共停旄 Approaching the enemy rampart with a defeated morale, all had to retreat.Touched by orchids, the hearts were moved, and military flags altogether stopped advancing. When I pointed out to Chŏng that the word “defeated” 沮goes against the rules of level and oblique tones, he answered, “Then how about using “waning” 衰 instead. I replied, “That is not as powerful (yuryŏk) as “broken” 摧. Chŏng said, “You really got it!” In the poem presented to Wang, Chŏng wrote, 鰈海秦城餘萬里幾重雲樹隔烟微 Between the Flatfish Sea and Qin’s Great Wallis the distance spanning thousands of li.Tiers of cloud-covered trees shroud it in heavy mists. I commented, “Mentioning both ‘cloud’ and ‘mist,’ I am afraid, is not appropriate. Why not change ‘cloud’ to ‘spring’ 春?” Chŏng replied, “You are right.” Whenever Chŏng drafted a poem, he would have me write it down. Every time he couldn’t find the right word, he would ask for my opinion. If he agreed with the change, he would accept it without being obstinate. When I arrived in Hanyang, I discussed the word choice “spring” with my colleagues. Yu Hang 柳沆 (16th century) suggested, “You haven’t fully grasped it either. You can write ‘spring trees’ 春樹 and have ‘cloud’ 雲 follow. ‘Mist’ 烟 is not a natural (ponsaek) word (ŏ).” I couldn’t help but praise his suggestion. Unfortunately, “cloud” is not included in the Hwanghwa chip (Anthology of Brilliant Flowers), which is a regrettable omission.Flowers), which is a regrettable omission.)
M1532 + (When the rain stops, the long riverbanks turn luxuriantly green)
M1314 + (When the rain stops, the long riverbanks turn luxuriantly green)
M813 + (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.)
M1156 + (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.)
M050 + (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 year after year add to rising breakers.)
E426 + (When they compare Kim Chongjik’s poetry to … When they compare Kim Chongjik’s poetry to the royal crown, it really is not overstatement. Every time I recite his, 細雨僧縫衲寒江客棹舟 Under a light rain, a monk mends his robe.On the cold river, a traveler rows his boat.I cannot but succumb to its subtlety (chŏngse). 十年世事孤吟裏八月秋容亂樹間 Ten years of a life’s troublesare in my lonely poems. The eighth month autumn’s countenance is among the colorful trees.I cannot but succumb to its cool clarity (sangnang). 風飄羅代蓋雨蹴佛天花 Winds unfold the sun canopy from the Silla time. Rains pound on the flowers of Buddha’s paradise. I cannot but succumb to its extensive reach (pangwŏn). succumb to its extensive reach (pangwŏn).)