鐔津文集 13.27

13.27

班固云。梅子真嘗為南昌尉不得志。遂自引去。變姓名為會稽監門。又曰。仙去。故後之說者。不過謂子真能以仙尉為吏隱。善與時浮沈。往往引其事為尉者美言。亦學者之不詳也。小哉言乎。子真磊落有大節奮不顧身。忠於國家憂天下者也。當漢朝失理本末皆顛。子真嫉邪臣用事竊弄大權。發憤上書論國大體大要。興行禮度登用俊良之人。雖觝觸讒佞輩而無所避忌。詞氣謇諤意欲警動時主。雖書屢上而主竟不悟。卒土崩瓦解。使當時稍用其言。而高祖社稷未必喪亡。嗚呼子真處九品之末。朝無一介之援。毅然奮志忠勇過人。吐詞扶國家之危。逆龍鱗探虎口。不旋踵而禍及其身。尚不以為懼。真慷慨大丈夫也。噫古今讀書為學。孰不抱氣自視為英雄於朋游間。苟有一語相忤。不協其意也。必發憤詬罵。恨不能誅之如讐。及其立於朝廷也。視有不義。雖大至於害教化傷風俗。以其不切於己。雖視如不視。雖聞如不聞。往往從而諛之。苟其敗也。則聚口而笑之。此聞子真之風。宜如何為心。子真歿在先漢之季。於今上下千有餘年所。於縣尉未有如子真者也。將有而未聞見乎。予嘗病世不知子真之德之道。徒高其得術仙去故題云。

Ban Gu said: Mei Zizhen once served as the commandant of Nanchang, but having been thwarted in his ambitions, he withdrew on his own, changed his name to become a gatekeeper in Kuaiji, and moreover was said to have departed as an immortal. Therefore, later commentators merely say that Zizhen was able to take the post of commandant as an official recluse and was skilled at drifting along with the times, often citing his deeds as fine words for those serving as commandants. This too is a lack of thoroughness on the part of scholars. How petty are their words! Zizhen was open-hearted and possessed great integrity; striving forward without regard for his own life, he was loyal to the state and anxious for the realm. When the Han court lost good order and both root and branch were upended, Zizhen loathed the wicked ministers who held power and usurped great authority. Filled with righteous indignation, he submitted memorials discussing the fundamental structure and vital concerns of the state, urging the enactment of ritual regulations and the appointment of talented and upright individuals. Although he collided with the slanderous and sycophantic crowd, he avoided nothing. His tone was blunt and outspoken, intending to startle and awaken the ruler of the time. Although his memorials were repeatedly submitted, the ruler ultimately did not awaken, and in the end the dynasty collapsed like crumbling soil and shattered tiles. Had his words been even slightly employed at that time, the altars of soil and grain of Emperor Gaozu might not have perished. Alas! Zizhen occupied the very bottom of the nine ranks, with not a single supporter at court. Yet resolutely he exerted his will, his loyalty and courage surpassing others. He spoke out to support the state in its peril, defying the dragon's scales and probing the tiger's jaws; though calamity was upon him in the turn of a heel, he still showed no fear. He was truly an impassioned, great gentleman! Ah! Throughout ancient and modern times, among those who read books and pursue learning, who does not harbor pride and view himself as a hero among his companions? If a single word offends them and does not accord with their wishes, they inevitably vent their rage in insults and curses, regretting that they cannot slay the other like an enemy. Yet when they stand at court, seeing unrighteousness—even so great as to harm moral education and damage public morals—because it does not directly affect themselves, though looking, they act as if not seeing; though listening, they act as if not hearing. Often they go along with it in flattery; and if disaster strikes, they gather together in mockery. Hearing of Zizhen's character, what should they feel in their hearts? Zizhen died at the end of the Former Han, roughly more than a thousand years ago from today, yet among county commandants there has been none like Zizhen. Could there be any who have simply not been heard of or seen? I have often lamented that the world does not recognize Zizhen's virtue and Way, but merely exalts his attaining arts and departing as an immortal; therefore I have written this inscription.