Post by aca on Sept 21, 2006 18:53:51 GMT 3
THE DECEASED KÖL TEGINS TABLET
L’inscription chinoise du monument I
Nouvelle traduction anglaise par M. E. –H. Parker
The deceased Köl Tegin (‘s) tablet. – Yon vasty Heaven, there is nothing but what it covers and shields. Heaven and men (being) in unison, the universe (is) one great whole; and as its essence is separated into the inferior and superior elements, so therefore (we find men) separated into (or in their proper position as) prince-elders (or rulers). These prince-elders are, in fact, the hereditary consequences of the (above mentioned) two elements.
(Now) dating back from the time when China made her robust flight across the northern wastes and the (Hiong-nu khan Khuganja) came to do homage (to the chinese Emperor) at the Kan-ts’uan (Palace, near Si-an Fu), craving permission to guard the Kwang-luh frontier (for China), We find that the depth of Our grace and friendship extends far into the past.
And then when Divus Celsus of Our dynasty created a new matrimony, which imperial domain Divus Magnus proceeded to extend, the blessings of culture were spread to the four corners of the world, and the results of their military prowess were achieved by one (mighty) effort.
(But under) yonder Heaven’s (will), vicissitude follows vicissitude: (yet though the Khanly title has been alternatively borne by this or that rival), still they have all to the last been able to successively [send in their humble letters of duty ] and furnish the tribute due from them as brother states.
And so (thing went) on, until it came to Our imperial selves, who placed (Mogilan) in the relation of son, to Us as father, thus bringing it about that cruel raids no longer took place, and weapons could be laid (quietly) in their cases. “Thou not suspecting me, I not betraying thee ”. How could it be otherwise than that the frontiers should then [be freed from further molestation ?]
The subject (of this panegyric) was known as the Tegin Köl. He was second son of Kutlug Khan, and younger brother of the now (reigning) Bilge Khan. His filial and fraternal piety were well-known in remote parts, whilst the prestige of his name struck awe [into his native tribesmen ]. How could this be otherwise than the result of his great-grandfather the Beg Itimish’s accumulation of (hereditary) good qualities in the first instance, which He (Köl) was able to carry on to the full in his own person, and his grandfather the Ghekin Kutlug’s practice of deep benevolence in the second instance, which (benevolence) [his descendants] proceeded to emulate? If not so, how account for the production of so worthy a man?
(Nay, assuredly, but this is the true reason), and so he has been successful in his endeavours to act with affection and fraternal piety, and to cooperate in establishing (his brother’s) strategical aims. North (the Turkish Empire under Mogilan) reaches up to the borders of (modern) Tarbagatai, west it touches the outskirts of the Tumet territory. Obeying [the sacred decrees ] of Heaven, he was recipient of the confidential rank of doghri , (all) with a view to friendly relations with Our (imperial) T’ang (dynasty).
For this reason Our (dynasty, or We) “commend thy loyal efforts” , and (hereby) confer upon (him) Our most gracious and trusty favours, wilst (on the other hand) the far seeing calculations (of Ourselves and Our ancestors ) are thus not thwarted, and a summary end is put to a harassing condition of affairs.
We “express again and again Our poignant grief” , and “the pain” which is in Our imperial heart.
Moreover the Tegin was the younger brother of the Khan, and the Khan was Our adopted son. Whilst therefore the proper feeling between father and son is thus given full effect to on the one hand, it naturally follows that one brother shares the sentiment which is the due of the other. Both are (thus) Our sons, and (Köl thus) in the second place (equally) shares Our deep sympathy.
For which reason We have specially manufactured a splendid tablet, for the information of all far [and near], so that (in the minds of) innumerable after generations the glory of (their joint) success may be daily renewed.
The panegyric runs: -
Country of sand and cold,
Region of the Ting-ling,
Robust “militarismus” abundantly rose
Amid thy former king.
May thy princes endure,
Thus glorifying outlandish regions!
May thy principles remain submissive,
Aiming at friendship with Our T’ang!
Who shall say that such men
Are not guaranteed to endure for ever?
A lofty tablet is (now) reared (like a) hill
To proclaim the good tidings for ever.
Great T’ang, 20th year of K’ai-yuan, in cyclic order jên-shên; seventh moon, in the cyclic order sin-ch’ou; seventh day of the Kalends, in the cyclic order ting-wei: (this was the date of) erection.
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This translation of the Chinese text inscribed on the western side of the Kul-tigin's monument was made by M. E. –H. Parker.
Do you have any comments, suggestions or maybe know of a better one?
Also if someone has the original Chinese text it would be nice to see some pictures too.
