廣弘明集 20.14

20.14

Gang respectfully submits: I have heard that when the Shao music of Shun was first sung, divine forms danced of their own accord; when the pitch-pipes of Chen brought the warm breeze, the hearts of plants vied in sprouting calyxes. Even light birds and short leaves recognize sounds and light; how then could one bathed in goodness and joyful at heart forget clapping and dancing? Prostrate, I reflect that Your Highness has a nature that rises high above worldly traces, cultivating the Way in the Spring Palace. You encompass the garden of letters and fish the river of profound meaning; your intention focuses on the Dragon Palace, and your heart scrutinizes the precious seal. Talents like Daosheng and Kumārajīva gather like clouds; peers of Ying Yang and Wang Can are summoned together. Exploring the subtle and analyzing principle, you are joyful and tireless; how could the beauty of vermilion blossoms or the bright moon ever distract you? Now it is the late autumn season, the first breath of early winter; frosted bamboos cast floating shade, and wutong trees shed their leaves in the wind. Your leisurely and elegant discussions truly accord with the divine heart. I, Gang, with my petty life, am most fortunate to encounter this glorious age; by the grace of blood ties I am favored to rank among the imperial clansmen. Yet like a fly trapped in glue I am not yet free, like an unbridled wild elephant I run uncontrolled; the jewel lies submerged within drunken robes, the pearl is buried in the forehead of the warrior. Having heard of such supreme excellence, how could I forget to sing praises? I respectfully present one poem of praise on the lecture in the Xuanpu Garden. Its style is ashamed of lacking brilliant flourishes, its thought falls short of intricate refinement. In vain do I cherish the impulse to dance in joy, yet in the end I feel embarrassed before the beauty of pure airs. Presumptuously I present it for your attention, followed by deep fluster and sweat. Respectfully submitted.