Classical Prose · LT507

Epitaphs & Elegies

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

6works

4dynasties

6authors

Tang

618–9072 works
  1. Inscription for My Humble CottageLiu YuxiMountains need not be high—if immortals dwell there, they become renowned; waters need not be deep—if dragons reside, they become sacred. Though this is a humble room, my virtuous character makes it fragrant.
  2. Memorial Text for the Twelfth NephewHan YuAlas and woe! Alas and woe! When you fell ill I knew not the hour, when you died I knew not the day. Words have an end but sorrow is infinite—do you know this, or know it not?

Song

960–12791 works
  1. Record of Master Yan's ShrineFan ZhongyanCloud-wrapped mountains boundless and azure, surging river waters vast and deep; the noble spirit of Master Yan endures lofty as the mountains and everlasting as the waters!

Ming

1368–16442 works
  1. Epitaph for a Dead TravelerWang YangmingAlas, what profound grief! Who was this man? From whence did he journey?... You and I are the same: I know not whence you came, nor do you know why I halt here. We are both merely travelers wandering between Heaven and Earth!
  2. Biographical Sketch of My Late MotherGui YouguangMy late mother Lady Zhou was born on the eleventh day of the second month in the first year of Hongzhi... She was frugal and benevolent, disciplined in running the household, caring for all children alike.

Qing

1636–19121 works
  1. Epitaph for My SisterYuan MeiAlas! Frustrated and unfulfilled in life, obscure in the dark realms of death; Heaven is high and Earth is deep, spiritual resonance is hard to fathom. Do you perceive my grief, or do you perceive it not?