Through the Dynasties · LH4

Qin

One script for the empire, eulogies carved in stone and Li Si's memorials: the terse prose of Qin

6works

2forms

1authors

Prose

4 works

Authoritative classical prose from Pre-Qin philosophers to Tang-Song prose masters.

  1. Memorial Against the Expulsion of Guest OfficialsLi Si · Essays & MemorialsYour minister hears of proposals to expel foreign talents, which I venture to deem mistaken. Mount Tai rejects no handful of earth, thus reaching its towering majesty; rivers and seas refuse no tiny rill, thus achieving their profound depths; a true king turns away no human being, thus illuminating his virtue.
  2. Mount Tai Stele InscriptionLi Si (traditionally attributed) · Epitaphs & ElegiesIn the twenty-sixth year he first united all under heaven, and none failed to submit.
  3. Memorial on Supervision and PunishmentLi Si · Essays & MemorialsA kind mother has spoilt sons, but a strict household has no unruly slaves
  4. Langya Terrace Stele InscriptionLi Si (traditionally attributed) · Epitaphs & ElegiesTools and vessels share one measure, and all write in the same script.

Sayings

2 works

Living Chinese linguistic heritage comprising idioms, proverbs, aphorisms, and couplets.

  1. Changing Customs and HabitsLi Si · IdiomsDuke Xiao used the laws of Shang Yang, changing manners and transforming customs; the people grew prosperous, the state rich and strong, the common folk served gladly, and the feudal lords drew near and submitted.
  2. Mount Tai Turns Away No Clod of SoilLi Si · IdiomsMount Tai turns away no soil, and so achieves its greatness; rivers and seas reject no small stream, and so achieve their depth.