鐔津文集 10.76

10.76

某啟。前日專人傳到華緘承已得美罷潛道於此緣德方盛年臘相。然何遽爾驚眾耳目。又聆黑白復請留此千萬且從輿論。某老弊德薄。不能為之綱紀。天下共知潛道。何誤。以此人為代。在潛道推讓之情。雖自高冠而鄙劣之人。終何以當克。萬萬須自忘雅意為眾少留。老弊東西南北人也。固無定迹。奉見未期。千萬留意。

I state: The other day a special messenger brought your splendid letter, from which I learned that you had successfully retired from your path of hiding away. In this matter, your virtue is currently flourishing and your age and seniority match it; why then so abruptly startle the ears and eyes of the multitude? Moreover, I hear that both monastics and laity are repeatedly pleading for you to remain; you must by all means follow public opinion for now. I am old, worn out, and meager in virtue, unable to maintain order; the entire world knows Qiandao. Why make a mistake and take this person as your successor? In your feeling of yielding, Qiandao, though you elevate yourself, how could a lowly person like me ever be equal to it? You must by all means forget your refined intention and remain a little longer for the sake of the multitude. An old and worn-out man belongs to the east, west, south, and north; I truly have no fixed traces. There is no set date for our meeting; please keep this in mind. Above all, take care.