鐔津文集 10.36

10.36

某啟。昨日伏蒙降重獲揖風素。殊慰久違之思。然而幸聞鐔津風俗之差美。是乃太守仁賢風化致然。蓋斯民之大幸也。某嘗慨彼遠方異俗佛乘不備。雖甚衰老尚欲以能仁氏之遺眾勸導邑子以為上善。猶賴公儀遺愛資助。使其一二載得遂鄙志。又猛陵人俗之幸甚。而勝緣有在也。仙舟首程顧不能出關相送。徒益黯悒乍遠千萬乞惟善視尊履。謹令僧馳啟參謝。

I, [Qisong], state: Yesterday I was favored with your condescending visit and was privileged to bow before your refined presence, which greatly comforted my thoughts of our long separation. Moreover, I was fortunate to hear that the customs of Tanjin have become somewhat fine; this has been brought about by the benevolent, worthy, and transformative governance of the governor, which is indeed the great fortune of these people. I have often lamented that in those distant regions of strange customs the Buddha vehicle is incomplete; though very old and decrepit, I still wish to use the remnant community of the Sakyan Sage to guide the local people toward superior goodness. I still rely on the legacy of love left by Gongyi to assist me, so that within a year or two my humble wish may be fulfilled. This would also be the great good fortune of the people and customs of Mengling, and superior affinities reside therein. As your immortal vessel sets out on its journey, I regret that I cannot go out past the passes to see you off, which only adds to my dejection. As we are suddenly separated by distance, I beg you above all to take good care of your honorable self. I respectfully dispatch a monk to rush this letter with my respects and thanks.