WÊN T‘IEN-HSIANG.
a.d. 1236-1282
[The famous statesman and patriot, who, when finally held captive by Kublai Khan after the complete overthrow of the Sung dynasty, calmly faced death rather than own allegiance to the Mongol conqueror. The following beautiful morceau was penned in captivity, and cannot but fill us with admiration for the hero of whom the Chinese may proudly say, “Whatever record leaps to light, he never shall be shamed.”]
DIVINÆ PARTICULAM AURÆ.
THERE is in the universe an Aura which permeates all things, and makes them what they are. Below, it shapes forth land and water; above, the sun and the stars. In man it is called spirit; and there is nowhere where it is not.
In times of national tranquillity, this spirit lies perdu in the harmony which prevails. Only at some great crisis is it manifested widely abroad. And as to these manifestations, those who run may read. Were there not the fearless and truthful annalists of old?[1] Was there not the disinterested chivalry of Chang Liang?[2] the unswerving devotion of Su Wu?[3] Did not Yen Yen[4] say they had headless generals in his district, but none who surrendered their allegiance? Was not an emperor's robe splashed with blood that might not be washed away?[5] And the teeth of Chang Hsün?[6]―the tongue of Yen Hsi?[6]―the guileless honesty of Kuan Ning,[7] pure as the clearest ice?―the martial genius of K‘ung Ming,[8] the admiration of Gods and men?―the oath of Tsu T‘i?[9]―the tablet dashed in the rebel's face?[10]
- ↑ In allusion to certain murders which were denounced by the historiographers of the periods in question.
- ↑ Who, after setting an Emperor upon the throne, refused all reward, and retired into private life. See p. 62.
- ↑ Held prisoner by the Huns for the space of nineteen years. See Li Ling’s Reply, p. 80, The reference is to his “credentials,” from which he never allowed himself to be separated.
- ↑ In reply to the famous Chang Fei, who took him prisoner, but, in consequence of this bold answer, spared his life.
- ↑ The blood of Chi Shao, who died to save his Imperial master’s life.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Killed for their violent language in the presence of rebels by whom they had been taken prisoners.
- ↑ Who faithfully repaid all loans made to him while in exile.
- ↑ The famous general of the Story of the Three Kingdoms.
- ↑ As he was about to cross the Yellow River with troops in pursuit of an enemy―“If I do not succeed in purging the country of these men, may my blood flow away like this river!”
- ↑ By a virtuous official whose loyalty the said rebel was vainly striving to undermine.
