Foreword 1SZ-07-01

''In the Xinchou Year, the first of our reign, we crossed the Green Mountains and travelled up the Wei River, touring the lands of Zezhou and Dingzhou. ''

''During this trip, we inspected the work of officials, asked after the welfare of the people, and admired the beauty and vastness of the Empire. From the deep, pine-shaded passes of the Green Mountains, to the gold-yellow expanses of the riverside cliffs, we stood in awe of the majesty, and further committed ourselves to its diligent administration - that our beautiful land should also be a prosperous land. ''

''Zezhou is a great crossroads on the river; Dingzhou, the rock on which the Imperial frontier is anchored. Between these two cities, men of talent in all skills and endeavours have repeatedly arisen. By collating this anthology of their poetic works, we hope to encourage them - to their craft, as well as to the service of their land. ''

How joyous we are, that this work is complete!