Lovers of flowering plants and shrubs we have had by scores, but Tao Yuan-ming alone devoted himself to the chrysanthemum. Since the opening days of the Tang dynasty, it has been fashionable to admire the peony; but my favourite is the water-lily. How stainless it rises from its slimy bed! How modestly it reposes on the clear pool – an emblem of purity and truth! Symmetrically perfect, its subtle perfume is wafted far and wide, while there it rests in spotless state, something to be regarded reverently from a distance, and not be profaned by familiar approach.

　　水陸草木之花，可愛者甚蕃。晉陶淵明獨愛菊;自李唐來，世人盛愛牡丹;予獨愛蓮之出淤泥而不染，濯清漣而不妖，中通外直，不蔓不枝，香遠(yuǎn)益清，亭亭靜植，可遠(yuǎn)觀而不可褻玩焉。

　　In my opinion, the chrysanthemum is the flower of retirement and culture; the peony, the flower of rank and wealth; the water-lily, the Lady Virtue sans pareille.Alas; few have loved the chrysanthemum since Tao Yüan-ming; and none now love the water-lily like myself; whereas the peony is a general favourite with all mankind.

　　予謂菊，花之隱逸者也;牡丹，花之富貴者也;蓮，花之君子者也。噫!菊之愛，陶后鮮有聞;蓮之愛，同予者何人?牡丹之愛，宜乎眾矣。