Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 159

1842.

Notice of the Works of Sú Tungpo.

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quiescence, like a clod of earth, then the remedy becomes of avail, and the patient prescribes for himself. From this discussion, we must revert to Sú's small treatises upon plants and fruits, and sundry scraps of poetry.

The last three volumes are of poetry, and some pieces are of the best description. They were composed in his younger years, when he was not accustomed to repress his feelings. They are therefore live- ly pieces, and full of good ideas, though usually rather prosaic. Yet they are deserving of perusal, and a tyro in the art ought to com- mence with this collection.

There is only one volume more, and that too one of the best, of which we have not yet spoken; this is an account of his literary life, and a biography taken from the history of the Sung dynasty, descriptive of his official character. Sú was born about the middle of the eleventh century, of poor parentage at Meichú, but being a clever boy, his mother took pleasure in instructing him. Having obtained the histories of Táng, he perused them with great avidity, and thence formed the determination of serving his country. But the road to honor was not very easy; he had to serve for many years in the most humble capacity and was driven from one place to ano- ther, before he could attract the attention of the court. Once how- ever made a doctor in the national college, he soon contrived to make this a stepping stone to the ministry, in which he passed a large part of his life. At the age of sixty, he wrote his last effusions, and henceforth was dead to the world. The praises which the biographer bestows upon him are well earned; he was indeed a worthy states- But he had also to undergo great troubles, and the court prov- ed to him an abode of wretchedness. He was of a very elastic spirit, could bear a great many reverses without repining in the least, and like an experienced politician stood favor as well as disgrace with equal firmness.

man.

To those sinologues who are satisfied with the bare perusal of the Four Books, Sú Tungpo will prove very valuable. He is decidedly a classical writer, though a servile imitator of the ancients, and is in every respect one of the best Chinese authors. Many a native student has striven to emulate him, but few have reached his height. When youth proceed to the examinations, they betake themselves to these books, and search after well turned sentences.