Horae Sinicae: Translations from the Popular Literature of the Chinese/Speciments of Chinese Epistolary Correspondence
SPECIMENS
OF
EPISTOLARY CORRESPONDENCE,
FROM A
Popular Chinese Collection.
To a Friend who has lately left Another.
"Half a month has already elapsed since we saw each other. The weeds and thorns in my heart, are growing rapidly. The odour of your illustrious virtue, yet, however, as my girdle and vest, hands about me.
As for me, I am rustic and destitute of ability. I learn with difficultly, the menial art of handling a whip.[1] I only fear that by approaching your illustrious steps, I shall trespass, and dishonour you."[2]
Another.
"Ten days have elapses since I had the privilege of listening to your able instructions. Ere I was aware, I found my heart filled and choked with noxious weeds. Perhaps I shall have to thank you, for favouring me with an epistle, in which I know your words will flow, limpid as the streams of pure water: then shall I instantly see the nature of things and have my heart opened to understand."
To a Friend at a distance.
"We have long been far separated from each other: not a day passes but my spirit flies and hovers at your right and left. I consider with myself, whether or not, my virtuous elder brother's heart, yet ruminates on me his old friend."
To a Friend.
"I am removed from your splendid virtues. I stand looking towards you with anxious expectation. There is nothing for me but toiling along a dusty road.
To receive your advice, as well as pay my respects, are both out of my power. In sleep my spirit dreams of you; it induces a kind of intoxication.
A consider my virtuous brother, a happy man, eminent and adorned with all rectitude. You are determined in your good purposes, and rejoice in the path of reason. You are always and increasingly happy. On this account I am rejoiced and consoled more than can be expressed."[3]
THE END.
- ↑ To drive a carriage is, by the Chinese, enumerated amongst the arts.
- ↑ According to the ancient usage, the emperor had nine steps up to his house; ministers of state, seven; viceroys, five; inferior officers, three
- ↑ The Chinese abound in complimentary professions of friendship; but, from the prevailing want of truth in China, there is amongst all ranks, a universal and very observable distrust, which clearly indicates that the true benevolence of social feelings is scarcely known.