290 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
virtue are incomparable. So they need to be expressed through poetry and
music in order that people will know about them forever, even if just a little.
“Though I am worthless, I was fortunate to have met this glorious age
and become the last one to join the rank of merit subjects. Furthermore,
having learned how to write, I was favored to serve as grand scribe (t’aesa),
and therefore I can hardly suppress my awe and joy. I dared to try to com-
pose three pieces of narrative for music with regard to the auspicious signs
from the Mandate of Heaven that you received before you ascended to the
throne as well as the benevolent rule you practiced once you became king. I
humbly submit these three poems along with a memorial.“1. Dreaming of the Golden Ruler (Monggŭmch’ŏk): Your Majesty had a
dream before you ascended to the throne. In that dream, a divinity with a
golden ruler descended from Heaven. He said, ‘Chancellor Kyŏng^13 is too
old though he is virtuous, and Director Ch’oe^14 of the State Finance
Commission is stubborn though he is upright.’ Then he gave a golden ruler
to His Majesty, saying, ‘Since you are good at both literary and military
arts, virtuous and intelligent, people will look up to you.’“All- seeing Heaven, through an auspicious dream,
Gave you a golden ruler.
Since he who was virtuous was old,^15
And he who was honest was stubborn,^16
Who else could deserve such a gift?
Seeing through our hearts and knowing our wishes,
Heaven made you rule the state.
The Mandate of Heaven was evidenced
By the rise of the new dynasty.
It will be handed down to children
And children’s children forever.“1. Receiving the Precious Secret Scroll (Suborok): When Your Majesty
was staying at your private home, out of public view, someone found a- Kyŏng Pokhŭng (?–1380) is an official of late Koryŏ. He served as chancellor during
the reign of King Kongmin. - Ch’oe Yŏng, a military general and statesman of late Koryŏ.
- The person referred to here is Kyŏng Pokhŭng.
- The person referred to here is Ch’oe Yŏng.