ABSTRACT
Our discussion of Yuan Mei’s literary theory has concentrated on general concepts so far, but Yuan made many specific comments about the practice of the poet’s craft both in his poetry talks and the other sources mentioned. Although he thought that true poetry arose naturally from the poet’s nature and feelings, he had no illusions that great poetry was easy to write: Maxims for poets Don’t brag of writing instant masterpieces on horseback; 1 A diligent poet like Sima Xiangru overthrew the virtuosos. 2 Only when things are in short supply are they really valuable; Only poems that result from slow effort are truly talented. The most exalted music is difficult to perform; 3 The epiphyllum’s beauty is that it does not bloom lightly. 4 How do you think people arrive at the paradise of bliss? Their self-perfection is based on lots of hard work! 5
