鐔津文集 11.37

11.37

去年詔祕省王侯。往宰扶風縣。王侯以父喪在淺土。請侯封樹而後趨官。朝廷佳其有子道從之復告曰。禮畢當聽命於闕下。于時錢唐士人慕王侯官有能名。相與議曰。扶風秦地也。方為戎狄驚動。豈宜往之。天子不如以王侯來惠我邦。識者非之曰。此常人之情。非知賢之謂也。夫王侯賢而有器識。讀書探文武之道。發慷慨立大節。方當國家舉大刑。將誅去兇醜以條理太平之治。是必奮然以效其才能。詎肯碌碌從眾人苟避艱難。幸宴安於靜地。或曰。朝廷以王侯久屈於冗局。且發其賢將受之顯官乎。辛巳歲隆暑中。果自新定來將趨京道出錢唐。潛子因歌議者之意。以為別歌曰。

Last year, an imperial decree ordered Lord Wang of the Palace Library to go and govern Fufeng County. Lord Wang, because his father's remains were still in shallow earth, requested to wait until the tumulus was completed and trees were planted before hurrying to his post. The imperial court, appreciating his filial devotion, granted it and further announced: 'Once the rites are concluded, you must await orders below the imperial palace.' At that time, scholars of Qiantang, admiring Lord Wang's official reputation for competence, conferred with one another and said: 'Fufeng is the land of Qin, and is currently troubled by the Rong and Di barbarians. How could it be suitable to go there? It would be better for the Son of Heaven to send Lord Wang to bestow favor upon our prefecture.' Those who were discerning criticized them, saying: 'This is the sentiment of ordinary men, not what is called knowing the worthy. Now Lord Wang is worthy and possesses both capacity and vision; he studies books and explores the ways of both the civil and martial, bursting with high-spirited ardor and establishing great integrity. Just when the state is executing grand punishments, about to wipe out the wicked and monstrous so as to bring about the order of great peace, he will surely exert himself vigorously to display his talents and capabilities. How would he be willing to follow the crowd in mediocrity, carelessly fleeing hardship and rejoicing in idle comfort in a quiet land?' Some said: 'Does the imperial court, seeing that Lord Wang has long been held back in redundant offices, intend to bring forth his worthiness and bestow an illustrious post upon him?' In the height of summer in the year *xinsi*, he indeed came from Xinding to hurry toward the capital, passing through Qiantang on the road. Thereupon, Qianzi took the opinions of those who discussed it and composed a parting song, which went: