Inscriptions

(In file) Translation of Inscriptions on Early Ming Portrait of Old Woman\r\n\r\n Her Birth was in Chiang Hsia (Wu Chang, Hupei Province) and her marriage in Yeh Ling (Wu Chin, Kiangsu Province).\r\n The refined elegance of the orchid was bestowed upon her by Heaven. The sturdy courage of the pine-tree dwelt within her heart.\r\n She was eminently competent in dealing with the affairs of the household. She never permitted herself to go to extremes, and always followed in the paths of ancient traditions. Her bearing as a mother was worthy of imitation, and her conduct as a virtuous woman was beyond praise.\r\n Her son has achieved eminence in his home town, and her married daughter is a worthy helpmeet to her prosperous husband.\r\n It is not to be wondered that such a worthy lady should have enjoyed a long lifetime of eighty years.\r\n When I look, with profound respect, at this portrait I feel as if she were alive here before me. \r\n Respectfully written by her nephew, Cheng Shih\r\n ... ... ... ...\r\nShe was an example of notable virtues, and she was a model of dignified widowhood. As a woman, she was kindly and regardful of the rights of others; as a mother she was wise and high-minded. She read the biographies of the great widow (in the Book of Songs.) She conducted herself with the strictest decorum. She was enriched by the blessings of Heaven, and it was her joy to follow the path of Heaven's laws.\r\n(Seal illegible.)