Analysis of "送温处士赴河阳军序" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The "送温处士赴河阳军序" (Sòng Wēn Chǔshì Fù Héyáng Jūn Xù) is a farewell preface written by the renowned Tang Dynasty essayist and poet Han Yu (768–824). While not a poem in the strictest sense, this prose piece holds significant literary value as it showcases Han Yu's mastery of classical Chinese and his ability to convey deep emotions through elegant prose.

Han Yu was a central figure in the Classical Prose Movement, advocating for a return to simpler, more direct writing styles of ancient times. This preface was written to bid farewell to a recluse scholar named Wen who was leaving to join the military campaign in Heyang. The work reflects Confucian ideals of service to the state while maintaining the refined aesthetics of Tang literature.

The Text: Full Text and Translation

Here are key excerpts from the preface with translation:

伯乐一过冀北之野，而马群遂空。

Bólè yī guò Jì běi zhī yě, ér mǎ qún suì kōng.

When Bole passed through the fields of northern Ji, the herds of horses were emptied.

夫冀北马多天下，伯乐虽善知马，安能空其群邪？

Fú Jì běi mǎ duō tiānxià, Bólè suī shàn zhī mǎ, ān néng kōng qí qún xié?

The northern Ji region had the most horses under heaven; though Bole excelled at recognizing fine steeds, how could he empty the herds?

解之者曰：吾所谓空，非无马也，无良马也。

Jiě zhī zhě yuē: Wú suǒwèi kōng, fēi wú mǎ yě, wú liángmǎ yě.

The explanation is: What I mean by "emptied" is not that there were no horses, but no fine horses remained.

Line-by-Line Analysis

The preface opens with an extended metaphor comparing the recruitment of talented individuals to the legendary horse expert Bole selecting fine steeds. Han Yu suggests that just as Bole's passage through Ji left the region without its best horses, so too does the recruitment of Wen leave the local intellectual community diminished.

The rhetorical question emphasizes the magnitude of Wen's talent - suggesting that his departure represents a significant loss to the community. The explanation that follows clarifies that while people remain, the true talent has been taken, highlighting Wen's exceptional qualities.

Han Yu continues with elegant praise for both the military governor who recognized Wen's talent and Wen himself for answering the call to serve. The text masterfully balances personal sentiment with public duty, a hallmark of Confucian literati writing.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Talent Recognition: The Bole metaphor symbolizes the importance of recognizing and utilizing talent, a core Confucian value.
2. Service to State: The text celebrates the scholar's willingness to serve the government despite being a recluse.
3. Community Impact: Highlights how the departure of exceptional individuals affects their communities.
4. Nature Imagery: Uses pastoral imagery (horses, fields) to discuss human affairs, typical of classical Chinese prose.

The horse symbolism is particularly significant in Chinese culture, representing not just talent but also the potential for great achievement when properly guided.

Cultural Context

Written during the Tang Dynasty's middle period (around 800 CE), this preface reflects several important cultural aspects:

1. Civil Service Ideals: Shows the Confucian ideal of talented scholars serving the state, even those inclined to reclusive lifestyles.
2. Literary Networks: Demonstrates how literati maintained social connections through poetic exchanges and prefaces.
3. Military-Civil Relations: Reveals the interaction between scholarly culture and military needs during the Tang.
4. Classical Allusions: The Bole reference comes from Zhuangzi, showing how Tang writers incorporated Daoist references into Confucian contexts.

Han Yu's preface also exemplifies guwen (ancient-style prose) that he championed - direct yet elegant, personal yet philosophical.

Conclusion

"送温处士赴河阳军序" remains a masterpiece of classical Chinese prose that beautifully balances personal sentiment with public duty. Through its elegant metaphors and concise expression, it captures the Tang Dynasty's intellectual spirit and Confucian ideals of service.

The preface's enduring appeal lies in its universal themes: the value of recognizing talent, the tension between personal inclination and public service, and the impact of exceptional individuals on their communities. For modern readers, it offers a window into the sophisticated literary culture of Tang China while addressing questions about talent utilization that remain relevant today. Han Yu's work reminds us that true talent, like fine steeds, deserves both recognition and proper direction.