鐔津文集 12.17

12.17

The Superior Man Gaoshi opened up the southern corridor of his lodge, taking in completely the fine scenery of mountains and streams, brilliant and delighting the eye. Su Zimei of Wugong first named it the Pure Veranda. Thereafter, worthy literati often visited, enjoyed, and composed poems on it. The Superior Man, in accordance with their intent, then bade Qianzi to compose an inscription for it. Being unable to decline, I said to the Superior Man: 'Among all things between heaven and earth, there is nothing that lacks clarity and turbidity; their atmospheres can all influence humanity to order or to chaos. The clarity of heaven and earth influences people to reverent awe; the clarity of sages and worthies influences people to solemn gravity; the clarity of an era influences people to self-cultivation; the clarity of mountains and streams influences people to refreshing ease. As for the clarity of heaven and earth and of the era, it is the creative transformation of nature, which I cannot presume to assess; as for the clarity of sages, worthies, mountains, and streams, this can be extended to benefit the world. Now the Superior Man has opened this veranda, bringing together the stillness of the mountain and the clarity of the water to welcome future visitors and delight them: their minds will be opened and their spirits refreshed, and their thoughts will no longer linger in indulgence; this also benefits people greatly! Should anyone have their mind and spirit refreshed and think of returning to Great Purity and utmost stillness (or: wander in utmost stillness), then the purpose of creating the veranda will be all the more realized.' Qianzi thereupon inscribed it, saying: