Search by property

This page provides a simple browsing interface for finding entities described by a property and a named value. Other available search interfaces include the page property search, and the ask query builder.

List of results

E119 + (Yi Saek wrote in his poem, 寄懷雲藹藹乘興夜沈沈 My y … Yi Saek wrote in his poem, 寄懷雲藹藹乘興夜沈沈 My yearning for you puffs up like a cloud.My rising spiritdeepens into the night. The line “puffs up like a cloud” 雲藹藹 speaks of poetry, while “deepens into the night” 夜沈沈 speaks of wine. These are the techniques (pŏp) used by the ancients. Yi Ch’ŏm 李詹 (1345–1405; sobriquet Ssangmaedang [Double Plum Hall]) also wrote, 林間無縫塔盤上去毛鵝 In the forest are seamless pagodas. On the tray are featherless geese. Yi Saek also wrote, 人心自古鶴州錢 People’s hearts, from of old, desire cranes, Yangzhou, and money. He combined, 腰纏十萬貫騎鶴上楊州 Around the waist, he wears a hundred thousand strings of a thousand coins.Riding a crane, he heads to Yangzhou. and created a new (sin) expression (ŏ). In Yi Ch’ŏm’s poem, 蝸引苔侵壁蛙鳴水滿庭 The snail is pulling a moss-covered wall.The frog croaks in a water-filled courtyard. the expression “pulling” is surprising (ki).e expression “pulling” is surprising (ki).)
E151 + (Yi Saek wrote: “Once I invited Minister Ha … Yi Saek wrote: “Once I invited Minister Han Ak 韓渥 (1274–1342) of the Sangdang clan, and together we climbed Inwang Mountain to admire the flowers. While there, the Prince of Yean, U T’ak 禹倬 (1265–1342), invited us to his residence and served us wine. He presented a draft couplet that said, 花開將爛漫我老豈蕭條 Flowers are blooming, ready to burst into sparkling colors.I am growing old, but why feel despondent?We wished him a happy birthday and chatted and laughed, unable to complete the poem. Just then, my boy servant at home walked in and reported that Chŏng Mongju, Yi Sawi 李士渭 (b. 1342), Kim Kuyong 金九容 (1338–1384), Yi Sungin, Ch’oe P’yo 崔彪 (late 14th century), Ch’oe Sunggyŏm, Yŏm Chŏngsu 廉廷秀 (d. 1388), and others had brought wine as they were passing the alley. So, I bid farewell and rushed back home, promising him that the poem would be ready by the next day.”From this account, we can vividly (wanyŏn) picture what our forefathers’ gatherings of poetry and wine were like. The couplet was based on Chen Yuyi’s 陳與義 (sobriquet Jianzhai [Bamboo Slip Studio]; 1090–1139) poem, 拒霜花已吐吾宇不凄涼 Now that hibiscus flowers have come into bloom,my house is not so forlorn.ome into bloom,my house is not so forlorn.)
E848 + (Yi Sohan 李昭漢 (1598–1645; sobriquet Hyŏnju … Yi Sohan 李昭漢 (1598–1645; sobriquet Hyŏnju [Deep Islet]) and other scholars wrote poems about the night scenery in the palace. A line in Yi’s poem reads, 觚棱隱隱參差見更鼓依依次第傳 The palace rooftops here and there are faintly visible. The pounding hour drums one after another echo in a haze. Ch’ae Yuhu always praised it. When visiting the P’ungak Mountains, Yi presented the following quatrain to a monk, 爾在此山中餉看霜後楓吾行及秋晚何似去年紅 In this mountain, you see to the full the maples after frost.I have come in late autumn.How do they compare to last year’s red? It is also excellent (ka).t year’s red? It is also excellent (ka).)
E719 + (Yi Sugwang and his son Yi Min’gu 李敏求 (1589 … Yi Sugwang and his son Yi Min’gu 李敏求 (1589–1670; sobriquet Tongju [East Islet]) were both literary masters. It has been said that Sugwang was good at poetry and Min’gu at rhapsody. Yi Min’gu stated, “My late father esteemed Wang Wei’s poetry, and I esteem Du Fu’s poetry.” While he probably meant to say that he surpassed his father, critics have remarked “As for their level of poetic accomplishments, the son surely falls short of the father.” Yi Min’gu’s 帆檣影動潮生後島嶼形分水落初 The shadows of sail and mast move when the tides rise.The islands appear divided when the waters begin to recede. has been widely recited (chŏnsong). Yet the parallelization of the ebb and flow of tidal waters in the line is not without flaw (chabyŏng). It is not as good as his father’s, 風捲潮聲喧島嶼日斜帆影上樓臺 As the winds swell, the sounds of breakers holler in the islands.As the sun sets, the shadows of sails rise to the high tower. which is firm (onja) and immaculate (muha).hich is firm (onja) and immaculate (muha).)
E425 + (Yi Sugwang 李睟光 (1563–1628), whose sobrique … Yi Sugwang 李睟光 (1563–1628), whose sobriquet was Chibong (Immortality Mushroom Peak), had lofty integrity that transcended the dusty mundane world. Although he experienced a change of time, he was not at all disheartened. Moreover, when he realized the time was near, he avoided getting trapped. Truly, he was the so-called precious “gentleman of gold and jade.” When sent to Sunch’ŏn in P’yŏngan province as a magistrate, he sent me his collection of poems and in it were the following two recent style poems, 暮年身世宰炎鄉治郡無能坐嘯長春燕不來閑院落晴波欲滿小池塘紅梅影下文書靜綠橘陰邊幾席香衙罷閉門人跡少隔窗啼鳥又斜陽 At old age, I am here governing the countryside south.Inept in managing my prefecture, I sit and let out a long sigh.Spring swallows do not come and visit my empty courtyard.Clear waves fill upmy small pond.Under the shadow of pink plum blossoms, documents sit still.By the shade of a green tangerine tree, my table and mat are fragrant.The workday is done, and the gate is shut. Now the footsteps are few.Through the window, a bird warblesand the sun sets. 檻外池光染綠苔一希微雨欲黃梅衙居寂寞門長掩公退尋常印不開盧橘香邊山鹿睡石榴花下怪禽來軒窗盡日淸如水輸與騷翁晝夢回 Over the balustrade the pond shines, colored by the green mosses.A sparse rain drizzles, and plums are almost ripe. It’s lonely at the government office for the gate is always closed.Coming back from work, usually there is no need to use my seal.By the sweet-smelling tangerines, the mountain deer sleep.Under the pomegranate flowers, rare birds arrive.By the tall window, all day longit is cool like water.To speak to the old poet,I return to my daydream. So clear and beautiful (ch’ŏngnyŏ), they are matchless in style (kyŏk) and rhyme.y are matchless in style (kyŏk) and rhyme.)
E438 + (Yi Sungin was the least advanced among all … Yi Sungin was the least advanced among all late Koryŏ scholars, and his literary reputation was not remarkable. One day, noticing an old painting on a wall, he wrote the following quatrain, 山北山南細路分桃花含雨落紛紛道人汲水歸茅舍一帶靑煙染白雲 Mountains to north and south, a narrow path divides.Peach blossoms drenched in rain fall one after another.A Daoist hermit draws water and returns to his thatched hut.A strip of blue smoke dyes the white clouds. When Yi Saek saw this, he thought it verged on a Tang poem (p’iptang), and since then Yi Sungin grew in fame.g), and since then Yi Sungin grew in fame.)
E544 + (Yi Sunin had high esteem for mid- and late … Yi Sunin had high esteem for mid- and late-Tang poetry. Therefore, the tone (sagi) of his poetry had clear finesse (ch’ŏngch’i) and lacked robust simplicity (unghon). In a poem on Chip’yŏng, he wrote, 縣門春晝閉官吏日高衙 The county gate is closed on this spring day.Officials arrive at work when the sun is high.Despite being just one verse, we can still see this is not a Song poem. Kim Hyŏnsŏng’s 金玄成 (1542–1621; sobriquet Namch’ang [South-Facing Window]) poem, 吏散閑庭初下鹿客來空館欲棲烏 Into an empty courtyard where officials have left, deer begin to enter.On a vacant lodge where travelers come, birds are about to perch.is also natural and carefree (chasan).rch.is also natural and carefree (chasan).)
E303 + (Yi Tal 李達 (1549–1612), the son of a concub … Yi Tal 李達 (1549–1612), the son of a concubine, had a great reputation for his poetry. His poem on the poetry manuscript of a monk at Sillŭk Monastery reads, 宿鷺下秋沙晚蟬鳴古樹舟歸白蘋風夢落西潭雨 Big herons descend on an autumn beach.Late cicadas chirp from ancient trees.A boat returns on the winds over white duckweeds.A dream falls together with rains on the west pond. Yi Ch’ungjak 李忠綽 (1521–1577; sobriquet Choram [Clumsy Studio]), also famous for his poems, responded to Yi Tal’s rhyme, 日暮人招提棲禽驚路樹山人知我乎舊宿前江雨 At sunset, as I enter the temple,the perching birds are startled on the roadside trees.Will the mountain recluse know me?Yesterday I spent the night in the rain on the river in front.Contemporaries compared the two poems but could not come to a decision. When I told this to Yi Ch’ungjak, he said, “Although Yi Tal’s poem appears to be morally lofty (ch’ŏnggo), it floats in void (hŏ) and does not land. How could it be adequate?” Thus, Yi Ch’ungjak regarded himself to be better than Yi Tal.regarded himself to be better than Yi Tal.)
E137 + (Yi Talch’ung’s 李達衷 (d. 1385; sobriquet Che … Yi Talch’ung’s 李達衷 (d. 1385; sobriquet Chejŏng [Rain Clearing Pavilion]) poem on Sin Ton reads, 威能假虎熊羆懾媚惑爲男婦女趨黃狗蒼鷹眞所忌烏鷄白馬是何辜 Borrowing the might of the tiger, the fox made bears tremble with fear.Transforming into an attractive man, it enticed many women.Brown dogs and blue hawks, he truly despised.Black-boned chickens and white horses, what crimes have they committed? This poem is worthy of being called a veritable record. In a eulogy poem for his brother, Yi wrote, 愧予體短才又短恨爾身長壽不長 I was ashamed of being shorter in stature and in talent.You, who had a long body, did not have a long life. He also wrote the following couplets, 秋聲喧蟋蟀日色耿蜻蜓 Autumn resounds as crickets go chirp, chirp.The sun gleams on shimmering dragonflies. 黃犢觸樊圃翠禽登水亭 Brown calves run into the garden fence.Green birds alight on the water pavilion. “Shimmering” and “alight on” are refreshing (sin).ing” and “alight on” are refreshing (sin).)
E087 + (Yi Talsŏn 李達善 (1457–1505; styled Kyŏmji) o … Yi Talsŏn 李達善 (1457–1505; styled Kyŏmji) once had a dream in which a scholar in a strange form presented him with a poem that read, 世上紅塵滿天樓紫玉寒東皇求八狴終不憶家山 The world is full of red dust.At the celestial mansion, the sounds of purple jades are cold. The Eastern Emperor seeks out the eight beastsbut remembers not his native mountains. Yi believed the dream was a call from the underworld, so he told everyone that he would die soon. The following year, he won the honor of the tertius at the civil service examination. I sent him the following congratulatory poem, 日下五雲爛未收廣寒深殿桂花秋祗隨傅說調金鼎準擬東皇八狴求 Under the sun, five-colored clouds glimmer without an end. Deep inside the Palace of Vast Coldness, autumn osmanthus are in bloom.Follow Fu Yue’s example and stir the golden cauldron.Let’s hope the Sovereign of the East will search for the eight beasts. The poem’s meaning (siŭi) draws an analogy between our king to the Eastern Emperor, and it shows my faith that Yi would someday assist the king. Not long after, Yi entered the Office of Special Advisors (Hongmun’gwan) and received great royal favor and honor. and received great royal favor and honor.)
E529 + (Yi Tal’s poem “Eulogy to Nam Kyŏgam” 挽南格庵 … Yi Tal’s poem “Eulogy to Nam Kyŏgam” 挽南格庵 said, 鸞馭飄然若木津君平簾下更何人床東弟子收遺草玉洞桃花萬樹春 Riding a phoenix you flew away to the Milky Way.Behind Junping’s curtain, who is the other person?East of your bed, disciples collect posthumous writings.At the Jade Grotto, peach blossoms on ten thousand trees are in spring.Kyŏgam (Character Hut) is Nam Sago’s 南師古 (1509–1571) sobriquet. It is said that Nam learned secret Daoist methods from a mystic and comprehended mysterious techniques. “若木津” is probably an error of the word “析木津” (Milky Way).ly an error of the word “析木津” (Milky Way).)
M001 + (Your divine strategies probe the heaven’s patterns.<br>Your wondrous tactics exhaust the earth’s principles.<br>The battle is won. Your merit is towering.<br>Know that you have done enough and please call it an end.<br>)
E672 + (Yu Hŭigyŏng was a lowborn slave. He was up … Yu Hŭigyŏng was a lowborn slave. He was upright and prudent and served his master with loyalty and his parents with filial piety. Therefore, he was cherished by many literati. He could write poetry and was very skilled (sŏngsuk) at it. When he was young, he served Im Hun 林薰 (1500–1584; sobriquet Kalch’ŏn [Kal Stream]) and followed him to Kwangju. There, visiting Im Ŏngnyŏng’s villa, he wrote a poem to the rhyme of “star” 星 matching a poem at the pavilion. He wrote, 竹葉朝傾露松梢曉掛星 Dews bend the bamboo leaves in the morning.Stars hang on the pine branches at dawn. Yang Ŭngjŏng saw it and praised it highly.Yang Ŭngjŏng saw it and praised it highly.)
E585 + (Yu Hŭigyŏng 劉希慶 (1545–1636) was a lowly sl … Yu Hŭigyŏng 劉希慶 (1545–1636) was a lowly slave. By nature he was quiet and refined, and from young age studied poetry and ritual propriety. After the Imjin war, when livelihood was difficult, he became a clerk (sŏwŏn) at a guarding post (wijangso). When the queen’s guards stopped over at Suan county, Hwanghae province, just then the snow cleared, and the scenery appeared even more exquisite. Then the officials on guard had Yu compose a poem, and his poem read, 扈衛遼陽古郡城風飄瓊屑灑林垌村童莫厭埋樵逕天為行宮作玉京 Royal escorts arrive in Yoyang at the old city gate.Snowy jade flakes wafting in the breeze sprinkle the forests and fields. Village children! Please don’t mind the woodcutter’s trail is covered.For Heaven has turned our temporary palaceinto a jade capital.Again, once when he visited Yongmun Mountain in Kyŏnggi province, the scholars traveling with him on horseback had Yu compose a poem. His poem read, 山含雨氣水含煙靑草湖邊白鳥眠路人海棠花下轉滿地香雪落揮鞭 The mountains wear rain clouds, the waters wear mists. On the lush grasses by the lake, white birds are asleep.Under the sweet brier blossoms, travelers turn and on the ground covered with fragrant snow lower their horsewhips. Yu was good at making funerary robes, therefore regardless of whether one knew him or not, whenever there was a funeral, people often ordered him make the robes. Because of his humble background, Yu could not refuse them. At age seventy, he worked as a hired hand for bereaved families. He went about hungry and in lament, and those who knew him had pity on him.t, and those who knew him had pity on him.)
E089 + (Yu Suk’s柳淑 (sobriquet Saam [Thoughtful Hut … Yu Suk’s柳淑 (sobriquet Saam [Thoughtful Hut]; 1324–1368) poem “Pyŏngnan Ferry” 碧瀾渡 reads, 久負江湖約紅塵二十年白鷗如欲笑故故近樓前 Long ago I pledged for rivers and lakes,but spent twenty years in the dusty realm. White gulls seem to be laughing at me.Ko ko, they squawk near the tower. Ultimately, Yu was unable to escape the misfortunes of the mortal world. In the end, before his loyalty, uprightness, and integrity could be recognized, he was falsely accused by the traitor Sin Ton and secretly assassinated. Ah, what misery! When I was thirty-six, while passing Pyŏngnan Ferry, I wrote the following poem using his rhymes, 未議靑雲路江湖四十年思菴終賊手余在白鷗前 Not having chosen the path of the azure cloud,I have lived in rivers and lakes for forty years. You died at the hands of a traitor,I now stand before white gulls.The poem reverses Yi’s original poem.ulls.The poem reverses Yi’s original poem.)
E753 + (Yu Yŏnggil (sobriquet Wŏlbong [Moonlit Fai … Yu Yŏnggil (sobriquet Wŏlbong [Moonlit Fairyland])’s poem on “A Rice Pounding Woman” 咏春杵女 reads, 玉杵高低弱質輕羅衫時舉雪膚呈蟾宮慣搗長生藥謫下人間手法成 The jade hammer is raised high and low.Your delicate body moves gently.At times, your gauze jacket is lifted,revealing the snowy skin underneath.At the Moon Palace, you repeatedly pounded the elixir of immortality.Banished down to the human world,you mastered your skills. It has been praised as an excellent (ka) poem and was even included in the Ki a (Elegant Poems from the Land of Kija). But the three words “you mastered your skills” have no meaning, and I do not understand why the poem was chosen.do not understand why the poem was chosen.)
E460 + (Yŏngbo Pavilion at the naval camp in Ch’un … Yŏngbo Pavilion at the naval camp in Ch’ungch’ŏn province was a number one scenic spot. Since ancient times many poems have been written on it, but only Pak Ŭn’s couplet, 地如拍拍將飛翼樓似搖搖不系篷 The land, flap, flap, As if birds are about to take flight.The tower, wigwag, Undulates like untied boats. is the most relished (hoeja). I also wrote a couplet, 秋色磨靑銅上下夜光浮白玉東西 Autumn colors, like a polished bronze mirror, reach both high and low.Moonlight, like a floating white jade, shines east and west. This really deserves to be called “an awkward imitation of Xi Shi.”e called “an awkward imitation of Xi Shi.”)
E711 + (Yŏngp’yŏng county’s Uduyŏn (Ox Head Pool) … Yŏngp’yŏng county’s Uduyŏn (Ox Head Pool) is the best scenic site in Kyŏnggi province. In the past, a man named Kim Yunbok lived there. Kim was a good zither player and gave himself a sobriquet, Old Zither Player. There Yang Saŏn engraved his poem on a rock, 綠綺琴伯牙心鐘子是知音一鼓復一吟泠泠虛籟起遙岑江月娟娟江水深 The Green Marquisette Zither.Boya’s heart.Zhongzi is the one who understands your tune.One beat followed by one note. Cold and empty melody rises from a distant hill.The river moon is rolling, the river water deep.The language (ŏ) is pure (ch’ŏng) and the style classic(ko). This is a rare poetic masterpiece (chŏlchak).s is a rare poetic masterpiece (chŏlchak).)
E016 + (Zubo 祖播 (13th century), a Chan monk from S … Zubo 祖播 (13th century), a Chan monk from Song China, sent a poem, five lacquered alms bowls, and a mottled bamboo staff the Korean monk Kyŏngjo 景照 (13th century) when Ouyang Bohu visited the East. Moreover, he bestowed the name “T’ogak (Hare’s Horn)” upon Master Kyŏngjo’s retreat and sent him a hand-written plaque bearing the retreat’s name. I praised the friendship between these two monks, transcending the distance of a thousand li. I had also heard of Ouyang’s reputation as a poet and was deeply impressed by him. Therefore, I wrote the following two poems, harmonizing with the two monks.’ 此去中華隔大瀛兩公相照鏡心淸空師方結蜂窠室播老遙傳兎角名杖古尙餘斑竹暈鉢靈應秀碧蓮莖誰敎一日親交錫共作金毛震地聲 From this place to the Central Efflorescence, a great ocean’s distance lies. Yet the two monks illuminate each other’s clear mirror-like heartsMaster Konggong just built his retreat like a beehive.Old Master Zubo sent from afar the name “Hare’s Horn.” The old bamboo staff still bears mottles that are now fading. The sacred alms bowls must have blossomed from lotus stems of jade. Who would have thought that after a day of friendly meeting, they would together bellow the Golden Lions’earth-quaking roars! 邈從千里渡滄瀛詩韻猶含山水淸可喜醉翁流遠派尙敎吾輩飽香名凌霄玉樹高千丈端世金芝擢九莖早挹英風難覿面何時親聽咳餘聲 You came from a thousand li away, crossing the dark blue sea.The rhymes of your poems still containmountains and waters so clear. How delightful! The Drunken Old Man sent his descendant afar,so this generation can stillhave a fill of his fragrant fame! The Jade Tree soars to the skies,rising a thousand feet tall.The Golden Mushroom upholds the world,upright in nine stalks.Early on, I admired your illustrious name, but it is difficult to behold your face.When will I get to hear the sound of your lingering voice?to hear the sound of your lingering voice?)
E003 + ([[Ch’oe Ch’iwŏn's]] (sobriquet Koun [Solit … [[Ch’oe Ch’iwŏn's]] (sobriquet Koun [Solitary Cloud]) [literary] merit was unprecedented. Therefore, scholars of [[the East]] all regard him as the progenitor [of literature]. His poem [[“A Pipa Tune” 琵琶行]] is classified in the [[Tang yin yi xiang 唐音遺響 (Lingering Echo of the Sound of Tang)]] as an anonymous work. Later generations remain undecided on its authenticity. Some say that the line, </br><div class="poetry-text">Over [[Dongting Lake]], the moon goes down, and a solitary cloud returns home.</div></br>proves his authorship, but that alone is insufficient evidence to settle the debate. [[“A Letter to Condemn Huang Chao”]] drafted by [[Ch’oe]] is not included in official histories. It is said that when [[Huang]] read the line, “Not only do all the people of the empire openly wish for your destruction, but the ghosts of the underworld also have devised a secret plan to eliminate you,” he fell from his chair in surrender. Had it not been a writing that makes the ghosts weep and startles the wind, how could [[Ch’oe]] have reached this level? Yet his poems are not considered [[lofty (ko)]]. It must be because he entered China during the [[Late Tang period]].)
C003 +
E160 + (Ŏ Mujŏk 魚無跡 (styled Chambu; 15th century) … Ŏ Mujŏk 魚無跡 (styled Chambu; 15th century) was a sŏja of Ŏ Segyŏm 魚世謙 (1430–1500; sobriquet Munjŏng [Literary Uprightness]). He was diligent in his studies and excelled in poetry, earning the praise from Third Minister (chisa) An Ch’im. His poem “ Illness Thinking of You While Sick” 病裏書懷呈相公 reads, 方丈煙霞鎖廣寒暮鐘三杵夕陽殘樹沿官道牆邊立月在鄰家屋上看點水卻憐螢誤落尋巢堪羨鳥知還隔窗終夜繅車響疑在山莊夢始闌 Mt. Fangzhang, enveloped in mists and rosy clouds, veils the Moon Palace.At dusk, the bell tolls thrice, as the lingering sunset fades.Trees line the main roads, standing tall by the walls.The moon, perched above neighbors’roofs, casts its gaze down.When raindrops fall, I worry they might mistakenly land on fireflies.When birds find their nests, how I admirethem for knowing where to return!Outside the windows, all night long,silk reeling machines are noisy. I wonder if, in your mountain villa, you are drifting in and out of dreams.la, you are drifting in and out of dreams.)
E339 + (Ŏ Mujŏk’s style name was Chambu (Hermit). … Ŏ Mujŏk’s style name was Chambu (Hermit). As a sŏja, he could not take the civil service examination due to state restrictions, but he acquired great fame for his talent. When he was young, one early morning, he and his father passed by a Buddhist temple. Seeing the clouds rising from the mountains, his father asked him to compose a couplet. Ŏ immediately replied, 靑山敬客至頭戴白雲冠 Green mountains show respect to the arriving guestsby putting on white-cloud crowns.The poems he wrote as an adult, such as “Lamenting the New Calendar” 新曆歎and “Commoners’ Lives Are Difficult” 蒼生難, are truly savory (hoe). His poem on passing Kil Chae’s Shrine in Kŭmo Mountain reads, 落落高標吉注書金烏山下閉門居首陽薇蕨殷遺草栗里田園晉故墟千載名垂扶大義至今人過式前廬生爲男子雖無膽立立峰巒摠起余 Graceful and outstanding, Royal Recorder Kil Chaelived at the foot of Kŭmo Mountain,secluded behind a closed door.The ferns of Shouyang Mountain are the grasses of the Shang remnants.The garden of Chestnut Village is an ancient place from the Jin.Your name will be passed down for a thousand years in support of righteous causes.Even now, passersby bow before your hut.Born a man, yet I am without valor.The towering ridges and peaks always raise me up. Once I passed by Kŭmo Mountain and saw the second couplet of this poem inscribed on the crossbeam of the village gate.ibed on the crossbeam of the village gate.)
E804 + (Ŏrhyŏn 孽玄 (Chosŏn) was a female slave of a … Ŏrhyŏn 孽玄 (Chosŏn) was a female slave of an Andong Kwŏn-ssi family. She was gifted and beautiful and was capable of composing poetry. She gave herself the sobriquet Ch’wijuk 翠竹(Jade Green Bamboo). Her poem “Autumn Thoughts” 秋思 reads, 洞天如水夜蒼蒼樹葉蕭蕭夜有霜十二湘簾人獨宿玉屏還羨畫鴛鴦 In the grotto-heavens like water, the night is dark.Tree leaves rustle, swish, swoosh as the frost falls in the night.Behind the curtain with twelve bead strings, she spends the night aloneand envies the painted mandarin ducks on the screen with jade ornaments.Her poem “Visiting Sŏng No’s Past Residence” 訪石田故居 reads, 十年曾伴石田游揚子江頭醉幾留今日獨尋人去後白蘋紅寥滿汀秋 For ten years, I accompaniedSŏng No on his excursions.By the Yangzi River,how many times have we linger after getting drunk?Today I am here alonesince he has left. White duckweeds, pink clouds, a quiet moon.The waterside is full of autumn. Both poems are found in the Ki a (Elegant Poems from the Land of Kija). But “Autumn Thoughts” is incorrectly attributed to kisaeng Ch’wisŏn, and “Visiting Sŏng No’s Past Residence” was incorrectly attributed to an anonymous poet. What a pity—the world has not passed on Ŏrhyŏn’s name!the world has not passed on Ŏrhyŏn’s name!)
E874 + (“The Song of Barley in Bloom” 麥秀歌 was insp … “The Song of Barley in Bloom” 麥秀歌 was inspired by a desire to weep like a woman. This is what an ancient poem calls “a sorrowful song that takes the place of weeping” 悲歌可以當泣. Li Bai’s poem reads, 平生不下泣於此泣無窮 My whole life, I never wept.For this, I weep endlessly.Li Shangyin’s poem reads, 三年已制思鄉淚更入東風恐不禁 For three years I have held back tears thinking of my hometown.When the east wind arrives, I won’t be able to help myself.Huang Tingjian’s poem reads, 西風壯夫淚多為程顥滴 Westerly wind makes a gallant man’s tearsto drop more than those shed by Cheng Hao. Yi Saek and Niu Jizhi from the Yuan dynasty passed the civil service examination together. When Yi returned to the East, Niu presented him the following poem, 我有丈夫淚泣之不落三十年今日離亭畔爲君一洒春風前 These manly tears of minehave never been shed for thirty years.Today, bidding farewell by a pavilion,I sprinkle them for you in the spring breeze.The poem parrots earlier poems albeit with inferior composition method (kuppŏp). A poem by our dynasty’s Chŏng Saryong, 向來制淚吾差熟今日當筵自不禁 By now I have become rather good at holding back my tears.But today, facing the banquet, I cannot help myself.also follows Li Shangyin’s example.myself.also follows Li Shangyin’s example.)

C003 + (sobriquet Koun [Solitary Cloud]) [literary] merit was unprecedented. Therefore, scholars of the East all regard him as the progenitor [of literature].)

E277 + (1. A couplet in Pak Kyehyŏn’s 朴啓賢 (1524–15 … 1. A couplet in Pak Kyehyŏn’s 朴啓賢 (1524–1580; sobriquet Kwanwŏn [Garden Waterer]) poem, presented to Cho Sasu, reads, 詩名不讓一聲笛相業猶存半部書 Your poetic fame does not yield to the tune of a bamboo flute. Now that you are a minister, you still have half of the Analects to go. His use of references (yongsa) was apposite (chŏldang). In my poem “Presented to Educational Official (hakkwan) Yu Ison 柳耳孫 (16th century)” 贈學官柳耳孫, I wrote, 公權翰墨臻三昧子厚文章擅一場 Gongquan’s calligraphy has reached the state of complete concentration.Zihou’s writings shook the literary scene of his time.This is an example of attempting to paint a tiger but failing.f attempting to paint a tiger but failing.)
E186 + (1. At Chŏja Island in East Lake, the lands … 1. At Chŏja Island in East Lake, the landscape is stunning. Minister Han Chongyu of the previous dynasty built a villa and spent his retirement there. His poem reads, 十里平湖細雨過一聲長篴隔蘆花直將金鼎調羹手還把漁竿下晩沙單衫短帽繞池塘隔岸垂楊送晩涼散步歸來山月上杖頭猶襲露荷香 Over a calm lake of ten li, a light rain drizzles.The sound of a long bamboo flute drifts from beyond the reed catkins.Quickly, these hands that stirred the broth in the golden cauldronreturn to holding a fishing poleas I sit on the evening sand.Decked in an unlined jacket and a small cap, I saunter around the pond.From the nearby shore, hanging willows send the evening cool. I stroll and return home when the moon is high above the hills. The handle of my cane still carries the fragrance of dew-drenched lotus. The poem, too, is fine (ho). Pongŭn Monastery is situated about a li west of the island. Years ago, when I spent a leisurely time at East Lake’s Reading Hall, I moored my boat on the island and visited the monastery. In the nearby fishing village, apricot flowers were in full bloom. The spring scenery was truly delightful. On the boat, I wrote the following poem, 東湖勝槩衆人知楮島前頭更絶奇蕭寺踏穿松葉徑漁村看盡杏花籬沙暄草軟雙鴛睡浪細風微一棹移春興春愁吟未了狎鷗亭畔夕陽時 That East Lake is picturesqueis known by everyone. But the entrance to Chŏja Island is even more splendid.I stride toward the monastery on the pine needle trailand watch in the fishing villagefences wrapped in apricot blossoms. On the warm sand and soft grasses,a pair of mandarin ducks are asleep.Through fine ripples and gentle breeze,I row with a single oar.Spring delights and spring blues,before my poem is done.Over the bank of the Apku Pavilion, the sun is setting.It has already been over forty years since then. I cannot go there again to see the sights, but they remain in my memory. the sights, but they remain in my memory.)
E266 + (1. Chief Minister Hong Ch’un’gyŏng’s 洪春卿 ( … 1. Chief Minister Hong Ch’un’gyŏng’s 洪春卿 (1497–1548) poem “White Horse River” 白馬江reads, 國破山河異昔時獨有江月幾盈虧落花岩畔花猶在風雨當年不盡吹 The kingdom lies in ruins. Even mountains and rivers are different from before.Only the moon over the river waxes and wanes time and again.By the Rock of Fallen Flowers, flowers still remain.The storm of that year did not blow them all away. Scholar Yi Hongnam’s poem reads, 故國登臨月上時濟王家業此成虧龍亡花落千年恨分付東風一篴吹 I visit the ancient kingdom at the time of moonrise.The royal family of Paekche rose and fell here. The dragon is dead. The flowers have fallen. A thousand years of remorse.I entrust it to the east wind in the tune of a bamboo flute. At that time, people weighed the excellence of the two poems. However, in my humble opinion, the opening line of the second poem seems like a case of “skipping the second part.”like a case of “skipping the second part.”)
E176 + (1. Drinking Toso wine on New Year’s Day ha … 1. Drinking Toso wine on New Year’s Day has been an ancient custom. The young drink it first, followed by the old. The current custom is that after getting up on New Year’s Day, when you meet someone, you would call their name. If they respond, you would say, “Buy my follies,” as a way to sell your follies and avoid calamities. I have always loved the following quatrain about New Year’s Day from a poem in our Eastern country, 人多先我飮屠蘇已覺衰遲負壯圖事事賣癡癡不盡猶將古我到今吾 Before my turn, many peopledrink the medicinal wine.I see I am already old with no more aspirations.Each time, I sell my follies, yet my follies are endless.It is still my old self that’s my present self. On this New Year’s Day, I tuned eighty years old. Playfully, I matched the poem and wrote, 微軀多病少醒蘇八十康寧是不圖何用賣癡先飮酒詩場强敵可支吾 Feeling frail and sickly, I sober up from medicinal wine.Health and peace at eighty are not what I seek.What’s the use of selling follies and drinking the wine first?At the poetic arena against a potent opponent, I can still hold my ground. I sent the poem to Second Deputy Director (tongjisa) Song Ch’an 宋贊 (1510–1601; sobriquet Sŏgyo [Western Outskirt]).1601; sobriquet Sŏgyo [Western Outskirt]).)
E174 + (1. During the reign of King Chungjong 中宗 ( … 1. During the reign of King Chungjong 中宗 (r. 1506–1544), Sin Yonggae 申用漑 (1463–1519; sobriquets Iyojŏng [Two Joys Pavilion] and Munjŏng [Literary Scenery]) held the dual positions of Fifth State Councilor (uch’ansŏng) and Director at the Office of Royal Decrees (taejehak). Desiring to pass on the role of Director at the Office of Royal Decrees to Nam Kon, one day Sin had a conversation with Nam and requested a poem from him. Nam submitted the following verse, 楊柳陰陰欲午鷄忽驚窮巷溢輪蹄爭看風裁空隣舍促具盤筵窘老妻乘興但知傾藥玉忘形不覺挽鞓犀沈吟欲賦高軒過鄭重荒詞未敢題 Willows cast shadows. Roosters at midday are about to crow.Suddenly, my humble lane is flooded with carriages and horses.Trying to catch a glimpse of nobility, neighbors all come out of their homes.Hastily preparing a banquet, my old wife is anxious.When you made a surprise visit, I onlyknew I had to pour wine.Neglecting all formalities, I absentmindedly tighten my rhinoceros horn belt.Contemplating, I attempt to compose a poem on “The Tall Carriage Passes By”.But out of respect, my muddled words,I do not dare to write. Deeply impressed, Sin remarked, “My robe and alms bowl have found their rightful place.” Before long, Nam was appointed as the Director at the Office of Royal Decrees. This account is derived from Ŏ Sukkwŏn’s 魚叔權 (fl. 1520s–1550s) P’aegwan chapki 稗官雜記 (A Storyteller’s Miscellany). That day, Sin must have written a poem matching the rhymes of Nam, but it is not recorded in the P’aegwan chapki. Here, I dare to put myself in Sin’s shoes and offer a matching poem. 偶過高門見殺鷄淹留半日縶駑蹄瓊詞許以知音友斗酒謀諸擧案妻自擬方皐能相馬須煩溫嶠試燃犀欲傳衣鉢孚人望聲價無雙在品題 By chance, I passed through your lofty gate and was served a meal with slaughtered chickens. I lingered for half a day, tying my lowly horse.Precious words, you share with a friend who knows the sound of your heart.A flask of wine was prepared for all by your respectful wife.Thinking that Jiufang Gao can judge horses,I troubled Wen Qiao to light up the buffalo horns.I wish to pass on my robe and alms bowl to an esteemed one I trust.Your matchless reputation is evident in the quality of your poems.n is evident in the quality of your poems.)
E265 + (1. Envoy Wang He wrote a poem after visiti … 1. Envoy Wang He wrote a poem after visiting Kija Shrine (Kijamyo). Chŏng Saryong tried to write a matching poem to the rhyme of “teacher” 師. He struggled for a few days, but the more he tried, the cruder the poem became. He asked the Assistant Commander of the Gate Guard (chongsagwan) to try matching the line. Then Yi Hongnam 李洪男 (b. 1515), the Section Chief (chŏngnang), immediately wielded the brush and wrote, 三仁雖異迹百世尙同師 The Three Benevolent Ones had different merits.But a hundred generations revered them as one teacher. Even a literary talent like Chŏng can sometimes experience writer’s block, let alone people with inferior talent!ck, let alone people with inferior talent!)
E177 + (1. I had a son at the age of seventy-five. … 1. I had a son at the age of seventy-five. And at age eighty, I had another son. Both of them were born from my concubine. Having a son at eighty is rarely seen in recent times. People may consider it a cause for celebration, but I see it as a disaster. In a playful manner, I composed two quatrains and sent them to Song Ch’an and An Ch’ŏsŏng 安處誠 (1477–1517; sobriquet Chukkye [Bamboo Creek]). The two old men both responded with matching poems. It is even more amusing that my poems became widely read. 七五生男世固稀如何八十又生兒從知造物眞多事饒此衰翁任所爲八十生兒恐是災不堪爲賀只堪咍從敎怪事人爭說其奈風情尙未灰 Having a son at seventy-five is indeed a rare occurrence. How could I at eighty have another child!From this I know the Creator is truly meddlesome,bestowing upon this aging manmore than he can handle!Having a son at eighty, I’m afraid it’s a mischance.It’s not worthy of congratulations, only worthy of ridicule.All kinds of strange thingspeople will now say.But what can I do when my passion has yet to fade away?I do when my passion has yet to fade away?)
E219 + (1. Im Ch’un’s “A Kisaeng that Ran Away” 詠逃 … 1. Im Ch’un’s “A Kisaeng that Ran Away” 詠逃妓 reads, 紅粧待曉帖金鈿爲被催呼上綺筵不怕長官嚴號令漫嗔行客惡因緣乘樓未作吹簫伴奔月還爲竊藥仙寄語靑雲賢學士仁心不用示蒲鞭 Applying the rouge, you waited for the dawn, and adorned yourself with golden hairpins.Summoned hastily, you took your seat on the brocade mat.You are not afraid of officials issuing stern orders.Freely you complain to the guestsabout your ill-fated love. Ascending the tower, you did not becomea companion of the flute player.Instead, you eloped to the moon and became a fairy who stole the elixir!These are my words to noble and worthy scholars:Have a kind heart and don’t pull out the rush whip. The poem itself is excellent (ka), but the expression (ŏ) “rush whip” immediately disrupts the charm (p’ungun) of the boudoir. If he met a woman throwing the weaver’s shuttle, I am afraid he wouldn’t be as happy as Youyu with his broken teeth.e as happy as Youyu with his broken teeth.)
E217 + (1. In his Taedong sirim大東詩林 (Poetry Forest … 1. In his Taedong sirim大東詩林 (Poetry Forest of the Great East), Yu Hŭiryŏng 柳希齡 (1480–1552; sobriquet Mongwa [Dream Nest]) records his father Yu In’gwi’s 柳仁貴 (1463–1531; sobriquet Sujae [Sleep Studio]) poem “Staying Overnight at Naksaeng station” 宿樂生驛, 日夕衆山暗遠來投樂生征驢吃殘草老僕飯香粳索枕背燈睡把盃斟酒傾時時呼長老屈指問前程 As the sun sets, the mountains grow dark.Traveling from afar, I stay in Naksaeng for the night.My donkey grazes on withered grasses.My old servant prepares fragrant rice. Finding a pillow, I turn my back towards the lamp to sleep.Taking a cup, I pour and empty the wine.Time and again, I call the elderly manAnd, counting on my fingers, inquire about the road ahead. “My donkey grazes on withered grasses” indicates that he was journeying through a desolate area. How can then there be “my old servant prepares fragrant rice”? Also, he already turned his back towards the lamp to sleep, then how can he take a cup and do all that? Moreover, “take,” “pour,” and “empty” are all similar words. What is even more laughable is that he only stayed at Naksaeng station for a day. How then can he say, “Time and again, I call the elderly man”? The post station servant cannot be compared to a Buddhist monk or a Daoist master, then how can he be called an “elder”? The expression (ŏ) “counting on my fingers” originated from the phrase in the “Biography of Chen Tang” 陳湯傳 in the Han shu 漢書 (Book of Han), “Counting on my fingers the days ahead, I said, ‘In a few days, we shall hear the good news.’” However, inquiring about the road ahead and using the expression “counting on my fingers,” I cannot see the appropriateness of that either.ot see the appropriateness of that either.)
E275 + (1. In his poem dedicated to a kisaeng from … 1. In his poem dedicated to a kisaeng from Sŏwŏn, Song In (sobriquet Iam [Self-Nurturing Studio]) wrote, 臨分解帶當留衣教束纖腰玉一圍想得妝成增宛轉被他牽挽入羅幃 As we part, I loosen my sash, leaving it as a keepsake for you. Please tie it around your slender waist,with a jade pendant.I imagine it will adorn youto be even more charming.You will be led by another manand enter the veil of gauze. A wonderful poem in the style (ch’e) of Fragrant Chamber, it is lovely (kaae). of Fragrant Chamber, it is lovely (kaae).)
E269 + (1. In his poem on the Magistrate’s Office … 1. In his poem on the Magistrate’s Office in Kyŏngsan county, Yi Ŏnjŏk 李彦迪 (1491–1553; sobriquet Hoejae [Dark Studio]) wrote, 鳴鳩枝上七飛燕雨中雙 Seven cuckoos call from the branches.A pair of swallows flutter in the rain.The couplet was naturally conceived (ch’ŏnsŏng). Yi wrote many other excellent poems. He did not speficially study poetry, but his poems flowed spontaneously from his temperament (sŏngjŏng). From this, we learn that if one’s true character is lofty and clear, they can effortlessly write good poems.r, they can effortlessly write good poems.)
E127 + (1. In his “Miscellaneous Poems on Songgyŏn … 1. In his “Miscellaneous Poems on Songgyŏng” 松京雜詠, Fourth Counselor (ŭnggyo) Yu Hoin 兪好仁 (1445–1494; sobriquet Noegye [Noe Creek]; styled Kŭkki) wrote, 茫茫海國水連天黃屋艱危四十年咫尺松京胡霧隔摩尼山上暗烽煙白日西沉性命屯蜀山萬里泣孤臣四朝苦節風霜裏一段經綸鬢似銀圓頂方袍污廟堂大庭白日奮忠腸長沙萬里瘴煙祟縱使公亡道不亡 In a kingdom in the boundless sea, where the water meets the sky,the royal household was in danger for forty long years.Towards Songgyŏngas Turkish fog approached,atop Mani Mountain, beacon fires were secretly lit. As the white sun sank west, lives became grim. In Shu Mountain, thousands of li away, a lone official shed tears.Serving four kings with unwavering devotionamidst winds and frost,after managing state affairs,his sideburns turned silvery white. Monks in shaved heads and robes defiled the Confucius shrine. At the grand court, toward the white sun,he raised his faithful heart to the king.Thousands of li away in Changsha, he suffered from the miasma.Though he perished, the Way will never perish.gh he perished, the Way will never perish.)
E179 + (1. In the fall of sinhae during the reign … 1. In the fall of sinhae during the reign of Jiajing (1551; Myŏngjong 6), I, in the capacity of a representative of the Ministry of Civil Official Affairs (ibu), went to P’yŏngan province on an official mission. It was there that I had a romance with a kisaeng from Kisŏng, known as Tongjŏngch’un 洞庭春 (Spring at Dongting Lake) (16th century). After my return to the court, she sent me a letter that said, “Unable to see you, whom I miss dearly, I cannot bear this pain of separation. I would rather die and be buried with you. Soon, I will return to the Beauties’ Grotto.” The grotto was located outside the Seven Star Gate of Kisŏng, and kisaengs were all buried there. In response, I jokingly wrote a quatrain and sent it to her, 滿紙縱橫摠誓言自期他日共泉原丈夫一死終難免當作嬋娟洞裏魂 Your letter was filled with words of a solemn vow. I promise that someday we shall be together in the underworld.A man’s death, after all, cannot be avoided.I shall be a ghost in the Beauties’ Grotto. Not long after, she died from an illness. Once again, I wrote a regulated verse as a jest. 生別長含惻惻情那知死別忽呑聲乍聞凶訃腸如裂細憶音容淚自傾書札幾曾來浿水夢魂無復到箕城嬋娟戱語還成讖愧我泉原負舊盟 After our parting in life, I always carried feelings of sorrow.How could have I known our parting in death would suddenly render me speechless?Hearing the news of your passing severs my innards. Vividly remembering your voice and your face, tears stream down on their own. Several letters had arrived from you through the P’ae River.But in my dreams, I have yet to return to Kisŏng.The joke of the Beauties’ Grotto has become a reality.I am sorry I cannot keep our old promise to meet in the underworld. All my friends read it and laughed. In the spring of kimi (1559), I went to Ch’ungch’ŏng province on an official mission. Second Minister (ch’amp’an) Kwŏn Ŭngch’ang 權應昌 (1505–1568) was serving as Magistrate (moksa) of Hongju (Sr. 3), and his illegitimate younger brother Kwŏn Ŭngin 權應仁 (16th century; sobriquet Songgye [Pine Creek]) followed him there. On the day of my arrival, Kwŏn Ŭngin presented me with two regulated verses he had written for singing performance at kisaeng schools. The last lines read, 人生適意無南北莫作嬋娟洞裏魂 In human affairs, if two people share their thoughts,it matters not whether they are in the north or south.Just do not become a ghost in the Beauties’ Grotto!These lines are apposite (chŏldang) and savory (yumi) lines. At the time, I had tender feelings for a local kisaeng named Ongnusŏn 玉樓仙 (Jade Tower Fairy) (16th century), so Kwŏn’s poem resonated with me.entury), so Kwŏn’s poem resonated with me.)
E279 + (1. In the pyŏngjin year of the Jiajing rei … 1. In the pyŏngjin year of the Jiajing reign (1536; Chungjong 31), a Ming Chinese named Liu Yingji 劉應基 (16th century) was captured by Japanese invaders and later rescued by the people of the country.Upon arriving in Hanyang, he wrote the following poem, 只怨干戈不怨天離鄉去國路千千愁纏病骨哀衰運淚灑紅顏泣盛年見月思歸西塞外看雲心逐北堂前旄丘見葛何多日瑣尾孤身困此邊 Blame only the weapons of war and do not blame Heaven.Away from my native land and country, the road runs for thousands upon thousands of li.Cloaked in sorrow, this ailing body bemoans the waning fortune.Shedding tears, this ruddy face weeps over the prime of life.Gazing at the moon, I long to return beyond the western frontier.Seeing the clouds, my heart runs to my mother’s room.The dolichos on high and sloping mounds,how many days have I been seeing?A fragment and a remnant, alone I am stranded on this border. When he was young, Minister Yi Sanhae (sobriquet Agye [Goose Brook]) wrote a poem matching Liu’s rhyme, 鯤海鯨波杳接天南荊迢遞幾三千流離異國惟孤影飄泊他鄉是弱年蝶夢有時歸塞外雁書無路到家前知君夜夜思親處秋雨蕭蕭客枕邊 The deep sea and giant waves connect with the distant sky.The southern land of Chu is faraway, O how many three thousand li?Wandering in ta foreign country, I am a lonely shadow.Drifting in an alien land, I am meager in age.Becoming a butterfly in a dream, at times I flutter homeward beyond the frontier.The letters carried by the geese have no way to reach home.Knowing that every night I think of where my parents are,an autumn rain sprinkles gently near the pillow of this wanderer.At the time, Liu was only fifteen or sixteen, and Yi seventeen or eighteen years of age. They were both young, yet their poetry was already mature composition (sŏngjang). From of old, those who manifest their talents early on become successful early on. Today, Yi holds a ministerial position, but I do not know whether Liu also achived success. Some say he passed the examination, but the veracity of that claim is uncertain.t the veracity of that claim is uncertain.)
E214 + (1. In the pyŏngsin year of the reign of Ji … 1. In the pyŏngsin year of the reign of Jiajing (1536; Chungjong 31), I accompanied Minister So Seyang 蘇世讓 (1486–1562; sobriquet T’oehyudang [Hall of Retreat and Rest]), the Welcoming Official for foreign envoys, to Ŭiju. So tried to write a matching poem on the “Ch’wisŭng Pavilion” to the rhyme word ‘radiance’ (hwi) 暉. After struggling for a while, he said, “Most of you have used expressions such as the ‘setting radiance,’ ‘evening radiance,’ ‘slanting radiance,’ ‘twilight radiance,’ and ‘morning radiance’ to match the rhyme, and these are repetitious and unrefined. I came up with this line, 澄江如練謝玄暉 ‘Limpid river like white brocade,’ from Xie Xuanhui.It does not seem to repeat common rhymes, but I am finding it difficult to write a corresponding line.” Then I answered, “Huang Tingjian’s poem has a line, 霜月掣金蛇 Frosty moon pulls the golden serpent. So, the line, 霜月掣蛇黃太史 ‘Frosty moon pulls the golden serpent’ from Official Historian Huang.could work, but Huang’s line is not on a par with ‘limpid river like white brocade,’ which has been continuously relished (hoeja) for thousands of years. A poem by Han Yu said, 新月似磨鎌 The new moon resembles a sharpened sickle.Why don’t you use that as a corresponding line?” Official So responded, “Indeed,” and proceeded with the line 新月似鎌韓吏部 ‘The New moon like a sickle’, from Minister Han of Civil Service Affairs.and completed the rest of the poem. It was after the full moon. Since there was no new moon, he waited until the beginning of the month to write it down and show it to others. As he was on an escorting mission, he did not display the poem on a plaque in the pavilion.play the poem on a plaque in the pavilion.)
E218 + (1. In the sinch’uk year of the Jiajing rei … 1. In the sinch’uk year of the Jiajing reign (1541; Chungjong 36), I went to Beijing accompanying the Envoy for the Emperor’s Birthday (hajŏlsa). It just so happened that the empress of Emperor Wuzong had recently passed away, so that the members of our mission also joined the procession of officials and mourned day and night. One day, early in the morning, while I was briefly sitting outside the shrine gate, many Chinese officials also came out to sit. An official standing under the cracked eaves approached Interpreter Hong Kyŏm and asked, “Can you write poetry?” Hong replied, “There was a light rain last night. Feeling homesick and melancholic, I wrote a quatrain in the spur of the moment.” The official insisted on seeing the poem. Hong then wrote down a poem by Ch’oe Ch’iwŏn and showed it to him, which said, 秋風惟苦吟世俗少知音窓外三更雨燈前萬里心 Autumn winds only make me write poems of agony.In this world, there are few who understand my tune.Outside the window, a midnight rain falls.By the lamp, my heart wanders thousands of li.The Chinese official took the poem and showed it to his superior, who promptly sent officials to copy it down. The commotion continued for a while until someone brought refreshments for us. Eventually, someone handed a brush to Hong and asked, “Can you write another poem?” Hong pointed at me and said, “He can also write poetry. Go and ask him for a poem.” The man then requested a poem from me. I wrote on the paper, “Petty literary craft, like engraving a worm and carving a seal, was not originally meant to be a pursuit of gentlemen. Especially during a state funeral, how can this be a time for poeticizing the wind and the moon? But, if I must, I have written a few things on the way to China. I can show you one quatrain from them.” The man replied, “I’d be lucky to have that.” Then I wrote down the poem “Seeing You Off to the East at Tangzhan” 湯站送人東還詩, and it read, 松鶻山前路君東我馬西欲題家信去臨紙意還迷 Standing on the road at the foot of Mt. Songgol,you head east, and I gallop west.I wish to send a letter back home,but facing the paper, my thoughts beocme blurry.Then they all read it and copied it down, just as they had done before. Pointing out my remark, “How can this be a time for poeticizing the wind and the moon?,” they all praised and said, “Yours is a country that truly understands propriety!”country that truly understands propriety!”)
E173 + (1. In the summer of kapsin (1544), I was a … 1. In the summer of kapsin (1544), I was appointed Sixth State Councilor (chwach’amch’an). Chief State Councilor (yŏngŭijŏng) Pak Sun 朴淳 (1523–1589), Second State Councilor No Susin 盧守愼 (1515–1590), Third State Council (uŭijŏng) Chŏng Yugil 鄭惟吉 (1515–1588), Fourth State Councilor (ch’amsŏng) Chŏng Ch’ŏl 鄭澈 (1536–1593), and I were all primuses of civil service examinations. The three seniors had previously served as Directors at the Office of Royal Decrees (taejehak), and Chŏng Ch’ŏl at the time was serving as Deputy Director (chehak), and I had once held that position in the past. It was a wonderful occurence that the five of us could be colleagues for once. In light of this, I composed a poem, 潭潭相府會龍頭盛事人間罕比侔爭道一時奎璧煥只慚庸品廁名流 At the grand office of the State Council, the heads of dragons have convened.Few events in the mortal world are as wonderful as this.Rivals of our time,you are all glowing stars.Yet, a mediocre talent, I can only feel unworthy among the luminaries. Chŏng Ch’ŏl then matched my poem, 五學士爲五壯頭聲名到我不相侔只應好事無分別等謂當時第一流 The five scholars standas the five primuses.As for their fame,I am unable to match. It surely is a wonderful thingthat we have no discord.So let’s proudly proclaim that we are all first-class officials!aim that we are all first-class officials!)
E184 + (1. It has been a state regulation to besto … 1. It has been a state regulation to bestow a leaning chair and a cane to first-ranking officials who are over seventy years old but cannot retire from their positions due to their importance in state affairs. In the sixth month of the kyeyu year during the reign of Wanli (1573; Sŏnjo 6), Hong Sŏm 洪暹 (1504–1585), the First Minister in the Office of Ministers-without-Portfolio (yŏngsa) and former Chief State Councilor, turned seventy and received a leaning chair and a cane. A banquet was held in his honor, and many officials gathered. Royal Spokesman (chungsa) and First Royal Secretary (tosŭngji) Yi Hŭigyŏm 李希儉 (1516–1579) presented the royal wine. Recorder (chusŏ) Yi Chun 李準 (1545–1624) presented the dictum, chair, and cane. Third State Councilor (uŭijŏng) No Susin, Sixth State Councilor (chwach’amch’an) Wŏn Hon 元混 (1505–1597), Prince of Yŏsŏng Song In 宋寅 (1516–1584), Chief Magistrate of Hanyang (p’anyun) Kang Sŏm 姜暹 (1516–1594), Second Minister of Punishments (Hyŏngjo ch’amp’an) Pak Taerip 朴大立 (1512–1584), and Third Magistrate of Hanyang (uyun) Kim Kye 金啓 (1528–1573) attended. As the Second Minister of Taxation (Hojo ch’amp’an), I took the last seat.At that time, Hong’s mother, the daughter of former Chief State Councilor (yŏngŭijŏng) Song Chil 宋軼 (1454–1520), was eighty-seven years old. Hong’s late father, Hong Ŏnp’il 洪彦弼 (1476–1549), had also received a chair and cane while serving as Chief State Councilor. This made Hong’s mother a daughter, wife, and mother of Chief State Councilors. Receiving such honor multiple times was an extraordinary and unprecedented event. During the banquet, No Susin wrote the following poem, 三從不出相門闈此事如今始有之更拄省中靈壽杖却被堂上老萊衣恩霑雨露眞千載歡接冠紳盡一時何處得來叨席次愧無佳句賁黃扉 Fulfilling the Three Obediences, your mother did not leavethe Chief Ministers’ gates.It is only today that an honor such as this has come into conception.At the court, you hold the cane of longevity.And at home, you put on the clothes of Old Master Lai!May rich favors rain and dew upon you for a thousand years!Let us joyfully celebrate this occasion through and through. Who am I to comeand occupy a seat? What a shame to have no beautiful poem to adorn a Yellow-Painted Gate!I also wrote the following poem, 几杖鴻恩罕此邦相公家慶更無雙傳三議政官槐棘奉大夫人福海江滿座榮光花映席騰空喜氣酒盈缸一時盛事應須記安得鋪張筆似杠 The royal gifting of a chair and cane is a rare occasion in our kingdom.The celebration of your family is indeed without equal.Continuing for three generationsthe highest office of Chief State Councilor,you serve your mother with blessings like oceans and rivers.Honored guests fill the seats decorated with beaming flowers. Joyful air rises to the sky, and wine jars are filled to the brim.A wonderful event such as this deserves recording.Where might I find a brush as thick as a rafter? Prince of Yŏsŏng, Song In was Hong Sŏm’s cousin. He followed and composed a narrative record as well as a long regulated verse. The rest of us also followed his lead and composed some narratives and some regulated verses. Hong ordered a painter to create a depiction of the event, and Song wrote down all our compositions on the back of the painting. The painting is kept as their family treasure. Hong Sŏm’s mother passed away at the age of ninety-four, and Hong himself at the age of eighty-two this year. Their good fortunes are truly unmatched in this world. Original annotation: At the banquet, there were two pots of artificial flower arrangements and ten jars of royal wine.r arrangements and ten jars of royal wine.)
E124 + (1. Kim Chongjik (sobriquet Mun’gan [Bamboo … 1. Kim Chongjik (sobriquet Mun’gan [Bamboo Slip Writing]) composed a poem while visiting Son Kŭkkyŏm’s 孫克謙 (15th century) forest garden. It reads, 十室卑湫地閑園數畒荒松爲一柱觀菊作百和香小砌蘭承露踈籬杮得霜主人年八十燕坐惜頹光 Ten rooms in the low-lying waterland,this peaceful garden has just a few barren ridges and furrows. A pine stands tall as the One Pillar Watchtower.Chrysanthemums diffuse the Hundred Harmonious Fragrance. At the small brick house, orchids are drenched in dews.Along the sparse bamboo hedge, persimmons are covered in frost. The master, now eighty years old, sits in peace and cherishes the remaining years. This is a poem about an old man in a country garden. His poem “Staying Overnight at Tapkye station” 宿踏溪驛 reads, 古樹獰飆攪荒林片月孤官胥來督傳郵婦泣供廚鼠竄殘殘戶星馳急急符誰知燈影下危坐恨非夫 Ancient trees tremble at fierce winds.Over the barren forest, a lone crescent moon gleams.A minor officer arrives with an urgent message.The post officer’s wife sobs in the kitchen.A rat scurries off out of the house,as quickly a shooting star sent a sudden notice.Who can understand under the flickering lampsitting up straight and loathing for not being a man? This is a poem about feeling abandoned at the post station. The poem “Quick Clearing of a Rain at Cheun Tower” 齊雲樓快晴 reads, 雨脚看看取次收輕雷猶自殷高樓雲歸洞穴簾旌暮風颭池塘枕簟秋菡萏香中蛙閣閣鷺 1. 影外稻油油憑欄更向頭流望千丈峯巒湧玉虯 The pouring rain is slowing down. A light thunder still echoes at the high tower.Clouds return to the caves, and dusk falls on the curtain.Winds brush over the pond, and autumn comes to the bamboo mat. Amid the fragrance of lotus, frogs croak “kak kak.”Far from the shadows of egrets,the rice grows with luster. Leaning on the railing, I gaze at the Turyu Mountain.Mountain peaks, a thousand feet tall, protrude like an emerging dragon. This poem depicts the scenery observed from a city tower after a rain shower. His poem “After a Snow, Leaving Kobu for Hŭngdŏk” 雪後發古阜向興德 reads, 一夜湖山銀界遙瀛州郭外馬蕭蕭村家竹盡頭搶地野樹禽多翅綴條沙浦烟痕蒼海岸笠岩霞氣赤城標臘前已是饒三白想聽明年擊壤謠 Overnight, Mt. Ho turned into a distant silvery world.Outside Yŏngju’s city wall, horses snort and neigh.In village homes, bent bamboo tips touch the ground.In trees in the fields, a flock of birds huddle together on branches.Sandy Riverbank is cloaked in mist that stretches out into the blue sea.Bamboo Hat Rock shrouded in rosy fog is the border of the Red City.Before the year’s end, we already had three snowfalls. Next year, I want to hear people singing, striking the earth. This poem describes taking a stroll after a snowfall. Reading the scenery here is like viewing a painting (yŏhwa).y here is like viewing a painting (yŏhwa).)
E208 + (1. Kim Chŏng (sobriquet Ch’ungam [Humble H … 1. Kim Chŏng (sobriquet Ch’ungam [Humble Hut]) had a reputation for his poetic skills during his lifetime. However, most of his works were lost, and only a few have survived. One of his poems, “An Evening Gaze” 晩望, reads, 秋陰起將暝迢遞倚荊扉虛莽夔魖悄冥烟島嶼微眼穿孤鳥盡思逐片雲依一葦豈云遠人遐自未歸 Autumn clouds rise as the sun goes down.Lost in thought, I lean on the bramble gate.In the wild thickets, mountain goblins are quiet.Shrouded in mists, islands appear hazy.My eyes are fixed on a lone bird.My thoughts drift with a wisp of cloud.A barge—how can you call it far away?Yet people are distant and have not returned. His poem “River South” 江南 reads, 江南殘夢晝厭厭愁逐年芳日日添雙燕來時春欲暮1. 杏花微雨下重簾 In a fleeting dream of river south, the day goes on and on.My sadness, chasing vernal fragrances, grows day by day.When a pair of swallows arrive, spring deepens.Apricot blossoms fall in a light rain outside the double screen. His poem “Feeling the Mood” 感興 reads, 落月臨荒野寒鴉下晩村空林烟火冷白屋掩荊門 Sinking moon closes in on the wilderness.Jackdaws descend on an evening village.In the empty forest, smoke and fire are rare.The bramble gate of the thatched house is shut.ramble gate of the thatched house is shut.)
E209 + (1. Kim Chŏng once visited Ch’ongsŏk Pavili … 1. Kim Chŏng once visited Ch’ongsŏk Pavilion in T’ongch’ŏn and composed six poems. A prefect later destroyed Kim’s poetry plaque, causing us to lose two of the six poems. I once read in the Tongin sihwa (Easterners’ Remarks on Poetry) by Sŏ Kŏjŏng that a poem by Kim Chidae (sobriquet Yŏnghŏn [Heroic Decree]), written at Ŭisŏng’s official lodge, became a most relished (hoeja) work during that time. Later, the building was burnt down during a war, and the plaque destroyed along with it. Several decades later, the daughter of prefect O Chŏkchang 吳迪莊, who lost her sanity and spoke incoherently, suddenly recited Kim Chidae’s poem. The ghosts, too, loved the poem and allowed it to be known again throughout the world. Unfortunately, it is a pity that no ghost in T’ongch’ŏn loves poetry in the same way. Therefore, I now record the four remaining poems. 絶嶠丹崖滄海陬孤標夐邈卽蓬丘硬根直揷幽波險削面疑經巧斧修鼇柱天高殘四片羊碑峴占杳千秋鶴飛人去已寥廓目斷碧雲空自愁 On the cut-off hill, vermillion cliffs meet the blue sea.A lone summit stands in the distance near Penglai Island.Your firm roots reach straight down to the deep and perilous waters.Your carved surfaces resemble the workof a skillful axe. The pillar on the giant sea turtle, reaching to the sky, left behind four pieces.Yang’s Stele on the steep hill has remained silent for a thousand years. Cranes have flown away and people have departedinto the silent vastness. I gaze at the azure clouds. This emptiness brings sadness on its own. 千古高皐叢石勝登臨寥落九秋懷斗魁鏟彩墮滄海月宮借斧削丹崖巨溟欲泛危巒去頑骨長衝激浪排蓬島笙簫空淡佇夕陽搔首寄天涯 On the thousand-year-old highland stands the magnificent Ch’ongsŏk Pavilion.Ascending it at times,with a heart full of late autumn. The Big Dipper, like a shining spade, fell into the blue sea,and with an axe borrowed from the Moon Palace carved the vermilion cliffs. I yearn to sail across the deep sea towards perilous mountains.Firm and resolute, I push forward against the charging breakers.Penglai Island’s music of pipes, empty and bland, I await.In the sunset, I scratch my head, leaning on the horizon. 八月十五叢石夜碧空星漢淡悠悠飛騰桂影昇天滿搖漾銀光溢海浮六合孤生身一粒四仙遺躅鶴千秋白雲迢遞萬山外獨立高邱杳遠愁 On the fifteenth day of the eighth month,a night at the Ch’ongsŏk Pavilion.In the azure sky, the River of Stars shines faint and serene.The soaring reflection of the cassia-tree moon rises and fills the sky.The rippling silvery lights float on the brimming sea.Alone in the six directions, I am but a single grain.The four immortals left behindthe cranes that live for a thousand years.White clouds in the distance drift beyond ten thousand mountains.The lofty hill standing alone is immersed in remote melancholy. 雲沒秋晴淡碧層淸晨起望太陽昇光涵海宇初呑吐彩射天衢忽湧騰幽窟老龍驚火焰深林陰鬼失依憑人間昏黑從今廓欲向崦嵫爲繫繩 Cloudless clear autumn sky, a faint layer of blue.In the clear morning, I gaze as the sun rise.The light-soaked expanse of the ocean begins to spew out the sun.Colors shoot across the sky, suddenly surging and billowing.Startled, ancient dragons in hidden caves belch out flames.The ghosts of thick forestslose their places of rest.The darkness in the human worldwill now fade away. I wish to ascend Yanzi Mountainand tie you there with a rope.nzi Mountainand tie you there with a rope.)
E246 + (1. Kim Ilson 金馹孫 (1464–1498; sobriquet T’a … 1. Kim Ilson 金馹孫 (1464–1498; sobriquet T’agyŏng [Washing the Hat Strings]) made a name for himself with his writings. Nam Kon often said, “The poetry of Pak Ŭn’s 朴誾 (1479–1504; sobriquet Ŭpch’wihŏn [Attracting Kingfisher Terrace]) and the prose of Kim Ilson deserve to be called a superb class.” Kim’s collection of prose is popular in the world, but his poems are rarely discussed. A regulated verse by him at Kwansu Tower in Samga prefecture, Kyŏngsang province, reads, 一縷溪村生白烟羔羊下佸謾爭先高樓樽酒東西客十里桑麻南北阡句乏有聲遊子拙杯斟無事使君賢倚欄更待黃昏後觀水仍看月到天 From a village with a threadlike stream rises white smoke.Young goats descend the hill in a flock, vying to be the first.At a tall tower, around flasks of wine, gather the guests from east and west.Along ten li, mulberry and hemp fields stretch out to north and south. Words are few, and this traveler only makes clumsy remarks.I raise my cup with a carefree heart to the prefect who is a worthy man.Leaning on the railing, I wait longer until the sun setsand gaze at the water until the moon reaches the sky. Readers can clearly see, between his poetry and prose which is better.ween his poetry and prose which is better.)
E193 + (1. My great-great-grandfather Ŏ Pyŏn’gap s … 1. My great-great-grandfather Ŏ Pyŏn’gap successfully passed the second-level civil service examination in the muja year of the Yongle reign (1408; T’aejong 8). [Prior to his examination success], Chŏng Io 鄭以吾 (1347–1434; sobriquet Kyoŭn [Suburban Recluse]), later the Director of Royal Decrees (taejehak), saw a poem in his dream, 三級風雷魚變甲一春煙景馬希聲雖云對偶元相敵那及龍頭上客名 At the third exam, in the thunderous storm, the fishes transformed into dragons. In the misty spring landscape, horses seldom make sounds.Some might say that the twoare natural opponents,but who could match the dragon head,the renowned primus!Subsequently, my great-great-grandfather indeed achieved the top position in the final royal examination.p position in the final royal examination.)
E188 + (1. On New Year’s Day of the kapsin year (1 … 1. On New Year’s Day of the kapsin year (1584), as Minister No Susin (sobriquet Sojae [Revival Studio]) turned seventy, he wrote the following poem, 寄也歸而免居然到者稀誰從聖人欲久昧大夫非一理君臣契深衷老病違只應梅柳色依舊入霑衣 Resigning, I returned and was set free. Surely, now visitors are few. Who has the desire to follow the sages?Long have I been ignorant of faults of officials.In one principle, the king and I were united.Now old and sickly, I am grieved by our separation. Only the colors of plum blossoms and willowsdrench my clothes just as before. On New Year’s Day of the ŭlyu year (1585) as I turned seventy, I wrote a poem matching No’s rhymes. 斗覺新年至誰言七十稀飽經榮與落多耐是兼非修短天應定行休理敢違思量乞身事準擬解朝衣 Little did I know a new year has arrived.Who said only a few live to be seventy?Honor and shame I’ve experienced in full.Right or wrong, I’ve endured much.One’s length of life must have been set by Heaven.Who’d dare go against the truth of advancing and retreating? I consider asking for my resignationand prepare to take off my official robe. In the poem, I expressed my wish for future resignation. On New Year’s Day of the ŭlmi year (1595), when I turned eighty, I wrote another matching poem. 人生稀七十八十更應稀欲學武公戒曾知蘧瑗非貪恩身局束乞退事乖違志願何時遂嗟哉食與衣 Only a few people reach age seventy,people reaching eighty must be fewer.I wished to learn from Duke Wu’s admonitionsbut realized, like Qu Yuan, that I’d been wrong.Desires for royal favors confine my body.Requests for resignation were declined.When will I pursue my heart’s wish?Alas, it’s all because of food and clothes! I repeatedly begged to resign, but my requests were not approved. I showed this poem to Song Ch’an, who harmonized with my poem. One couplet of his reads, 城內仍留是林間欲去非 Right for you to remain in the city.Wrong for you to wish to leave for the forest. Song’s poem said so because the battles had not yet ceased, and it seemed difficult to retreat to the countryside. I composed another poem and presented it to him. 爵祿人皆享期頤世固稀仍留果爲是欲去未應非晩節尤宜退初心詎肯違妖氛何日定唯望一戎衣 All enjoy salaries,but a hundred-year life is rare in this world.Staying in the court surely is right,but wishing for a leave might not be wrong. At old age, it is fitting to retire.But how can I go against my original intent?When will this evil aura dissipate?I only wish to put on an armored suit once. In the late winter of pyŏngsin (1596), my request for resignation was finally granted. My remaining years are few. How long will my retirement be! Still, I was given my heart’s wish. At death, I shall close my eyes in peace. At death, I shall close my eyes in peace.)
E202 + (1. Once Kang Hon (sobriquet Mokkye [Wood C … 1. Once Kang Hon (sobriquet Mokkye [Wood Creek]) went to Kyŏngsang province and developed a fondness for a kisaeng from Sŏngsan known as Ŭndaesŏn (Silver Tower Fairy).When it was time for him to return, he and the kisaeng arrived at Pusang station only to find that his luggage carriers had already left with his bedding. Kang and the kisaeng spent the night at the station, and he presented a poem to her, 扶桑館裏一場歡宿客無衾燭燼殘十二巫山迷曉夢驛樓春夜不知寒 At Pusang station, we had a moment of delight.The guests had no blankets, and candles were burnt to ashes.Among the twelve peaks of Mt. Wu, I was lost in an early morning dream.On that spring night at the station tower,I didn’t feel the chill. Another poem said, 姑射仙人玉雪肌曉窓金鏡畫峨眉卯酒半酣紅入面東風吹鬢綠參差 A fairy from Gushe Mountain,her skin like snow-white jade. By the dawning window, she holds a golden mirror and paints her lovely brows.After a hint of morning wine, a rosy blush spreads across her face.An easterly breeze blows,caressing her glowing dark tresses. 雲鬟梳罷倚高樓鐵笛橫吹玉指柔萬里關山一輪月數行淸淚落伊州 After combing the beautiful hair, she leans by the high tower,playing the iron flute with her jade-white fingers so nimble.Thousands of li away from her hometown, under the full moon,streams of clear tears flow to the tune of Yizhou.of clear tears flow to the tune of Yizhou.)