燕赵古称多慷慨悲歌之士。董生举进士，连不得志于有司，怀抱利器，郁郁适兹土。吾知其必有合也。董生勉乎哉!
夫以子之不遇时，苟慕义仁者，皆爱惜焉;矧燕、赵之士，出乎其性者哉!然吾尝闻风俗与化移易。吾恶知其今不异于古所云邪?聊以吾子之行卜之也。董生勉乎哉!
吾因子有所感矣!为我吊望诸君之墓，而观于其市，复有昔时屠狗者乎?为我谢曰：“明天子在上，可以出而仕矣!”
A Farewell to Tung Shao-nan
Han Yu
In antiquity the lands of Yen and Chao were known for their many brave men who were filled with noble sentiments and vented their frustrations in song. Recently, Master Tung was recommended for the degree of doctor of letters but was repeatedly rejected by the examining officials. Now he has decided to keep his talents to himself and to set out for those regions. There, he is bound to meet men who will appreciate him. Master Tung, do not be discouraged!
You may be at odds with your times, but anyone you meet who is devoted to what is right and moral will value your friendship. Moreover, such virtues come naturally to the men of Yen and Chao. However, I have heard that local mores may alter with the times. How can we be certain that those regions are the same today as they were in antiquity? Perhaps your trip there will settle the matter. Master Tung, do not be discouraged!
Your departure has given me cause for reflection. Please pay my respects to the tomb of the Lord of Wang-chu and look in the market-place to see if the dog-butter of long ago is still there. If he is, tell him for me, “Today an enlightened sovereign reigns. You may return to the world and serve!”1
1. Han Ch’ang-li chi 5.16.
