Translation setting:
[None] [English]Pre-Qin and Han ->
Confucianism ->
Cai Zhong Lang Ji ->
Volume 9 -> Memorial on Refusing Again the Seal, Sash, and Oath of the Gaoyang Hou Title
| | 再讓高陽... : |
臣忝自參省，資非哲人藩屏之用，器非殿邦佐君之才，憂心灼烜，耳目昏冒，忪蒙蔽罔，累息屏氣。臣聞稷契之儔，以德受命，功德靡堪，讓所不如。昔之范正不亡禮讓，其下化之，春秋采焉。臣雖小醜，不足勗勵以躡高蹤，以詩人斯亡之戒，觀見符策，君國之誨，兩印雙紱，竝在鞶帶。至德元功，器量宏大，猶且踧踖，無心寧止。況臣螻蟻無功德，而散怠茸闒，何以居之？且晏嬰辭邶殿之邑，張良辭三萬之戶，書籍紀之，以為美談。夫人君無弄戲之言，憲法有誣枉之劾。臣不敢違戾飾虛，以距上旨，疑确之誠，與神明通。謹奉章詣闕，頓首敢固以請息，伏惟留漏刻一省，僵沒之日，壽同松喬。 |
| | I am ashamed to have been admitted into the office, for my abilities are not those of a wise man capable of serving as a guardian of the fiefdoms, nor do I possess the talent necessary to assist in governing the realm and aiding the sovereign. My heart is filled with anxiety and distress; my vision and hearing grow dim and confused. I am bewildered and deceived, holding my breath and gasping for air in despair. I have heard that those of Ji Che's caliber received their appointments through virtue, and when they found themselves unworthy of the merit and virtue required, they would yield to others more capable than themselves. In former times, Fan Zheng did not abandon rites and courtesy; those beneath him were transformed by his example, and this was recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals. Although I am a minor and unworthy person, insufficient to be encouraged or inspired to follow in lofty footsteps, by heeding the poet's warning of impending loss, observing omens and records, and receiving the teachings for the ruler and state—two seals and two sashes are both placed upon my belt. Even those of supreme virtue and great merit, with vast capacity and magnanimity, would still feel uneasy and hesitant; how much less could one like me remain at ease? How much more so for I, a mere ant with no virtue or merit, who is lazy and careless—how could I possibly hold such a position? Moreover, Yan Ying declined the fief of Bei Dian, and Zhang Liang refused a title entitling him to thirty thousand households; these deeds are recorded in historical texts as admirable anecdotes. A sovereign should not utter idle or frivolous words, and the law must provide for accusations against those who slander or wrongfully accuse others. I dare not defy or distort the truth, nor refuse to follow Your Majesty's decree; my sincere doubts and certainties are in harmony with divine wisdom. With utmost caution, I present this memorial at the palace gates. Bowing my head in deep respect, I humbly and firmly request respite. I beg that Your Majesty would spare but a moment to consider it; should I perish, may my life be as enduring as the cypress and qiao trees.
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