鐔津文集 10.86

10.86

某啟。今者伏承遠馳价使特贈書問以昔賢勝集之所假無狀自匿之便嘉命遠至光賁殊多。某人曲采虛聲更推高誼。循省其愚何以當克愧以老憊。復牽事緣趨赴未皇。但深愧忸久滯來人。益憎慊悚。价還奉狀布謝伏惟慈念。

I state: Now I humbly acknowledge that you have sent an envoy from afar to specially present a letter of greeting, borrowing the place of past sages' superior assemblies to provide convenience for my worthless self to hide away. Your fine command came from afar, conferring immense radiance. You have condescended to accept my hollow reputation and further extended your noble friendship. Reflecting on my foolishness, how could I be equal to it? Ashamed of being old and exhausted, and moreover entangled by affairs, I have no leisure to hasten thither. I feel only deep humiliation and shame; that the incoming messenger has been detained so long adds even more to my regret and anxiety. With the returning envoy, I present this letter to express my gratitude. I humbly pray for your compassionate consideration.