Classical Prose · LT507

Epitaphs & Elegies

Funerary epitaphs, elegiac odes, and memorial prose honoring departed souls.

16works

8dynasties

15authors

Song

3 works

960–1279

  1. Record of Master Yan's Shrine in Tonglu CommanderyFan ZhongyanThe cloudy mountains are deep green, the river waters vast and wide; the Master's spirit is as high as the mountains and as long as the river!
  2. Record of the Names Inscribed at the Remonstrance BureauSima GuangThose who chase eagerly after fame are like those who chase eagerly after profit: how far apart are they really?
  3. Oath Written at the Shrine of the Five PeaksYue FeiTo welcome the two emperors back to the capital, restore the lost lands to our maps, so that the court has no cares and our sovereign can rest his head in peace: this is my wish.

Ming

4 works

1368–1644

  1. Epitaph for a Dead TravelerWang YangmingYou and I are just like them!
  2. Biographical Sketch of My Late MotherGui YouguangThat there should be people in this world without a mother! O Heaven! What anguish!
  3. Inscription for the Tomb of the Five MenZhang PuThose who, stirred by righteousness, died.
  4. Record of the Miraculous Responses of the Celestial ConsortZheng He, Wang Jinghong (traditionally attributed)If a man can be wholly loyal in serving his sovereign, no task will fail; if he can be wholly sincere in serving the gods, no prayer will go unanswered.