User:Sam joe quick/To Hakuro Toten

Dear Mr. Hakuro Toten,

We have long admired your integrity but regret not having had the privilege of your acquaintance. Even at this great distance your reputation is enough to inspire us.

Sir, you gave moral support to Huang[2] [when he was alive] and now mourn him with your tears. He is to be buried, and you have come across a myriad leagues of waves to bid him farewell at his grave. Your lofty friendship reaches as high as the sun and moon; your sincerity moves gods and spirits. Both are rare in this world, in the past as well today.

Chih-fan and Tse-tung are schoolboys in Hunan who have acquired some knowledge of the classics and have disciplined their aspirations. We long to have an opportunity to meet you, to learn deportment and receive instructions from you. We shall feel extremely honoured if our request is granted.

Students at the First Teachers' Training College, Hunan

signed Hasiao Chin-fan Mao Tse-tung

NOTES

1. (1870-1922) a Meiji shishi (extremist patriot) and supporter of the revolutionary activities of Sun Yet-sen and his comrades.

2. Huang Hsing (1874-1916), a revolutionary leader and supporter of Sun Yet-sen, who was buried on 15 April 1917.