緇門警訓 8.87

8.87

The preface states: I have often read the Sequel to Cui Ziyu's Motto Beside the Seat composed by Grand Protection Bai [Juyi]. Its wording and intent are canonical and refined, doubly earnest and doubly urgent; it can truly serve as an admonition to the unawakened and bequeath guidance to the future. Next, I also saw that Yao Chong, Bian Lan, Zhang Yue, and Li Yong all had writings of this kind, which were exceptionally profound and wonderful. In their restrained admonitions and gentle restraint, they are rich mirrors and warnings for a thousand ages. I secretly cherished their writings, only regretting that people of the world cannot practice them, grasping scarcely one or two parts in ten. One day, taking brush in hand from my sleeve, I accordingly composed a continuation to Master Bai's sequel, entitling it 'A Continuation of Duke Liang Yao's Motto Beside the Seat in One Poem.' Although its literary weaving and philosophical texture do not equal those of all those gentlemen, it may nevertheless be written upon the wall of a room.