HE WASHED HIS MOTHER'S BEDPAN

涤亲溺器 HE WASHED HIS MOTHER'S BEDPAN


宋。黄庭坚。号山谷。元祐中为太史。性至孝。身体贵显。奉母尽诚。每夕亲自为洗涤溺器。未曾有一刻不供人子之职。有诗为颂。诗曰：

Huáng Tíngjiān of the Sòng dynasty was also called Shāngŭ. During the Yuányòu reign period [1086-1093] he was a government compiler. His nature was filial, and although he was very prominent, he served his mother with deep sincerity. Every evening he himself washed out his mother's bedpan. A moment did not pass in which he did not display the responsibility of a son. A verse praises him saying:



贵显闻天下。平生孝事亲。不辞长涤溺。焉用婢生嗔。

He is prominent enough to be known throughout the world, but

All his life he is filial toward his mother;

He does not decline to wash out her urine;

How could he use maids and let himself be spoilt [by prominence]?