1
馬援字文淵，扶風茂陵人也。 其先趙奢為趙將，號曰馬服君，子孫因為氏。 武帝時，以吏二千石自邯鄲徙焉。 曾祖父通，以功封重合侯，坐兄何羅反，被誅，故援再世不顯。 援三兄況、余、員，並有才能，王莽時皆為二千石。
Ma Yuan, style Wenyuan, came from Maoling in Fufeng commandery. His forebear Zhao She had served Zhao as a general and earned the title Lord Mafu; later generations adopted Ma as their clan name. Under Emperor Wu an ancestor had held salary rank of two thousand piculs and relocated from Handan to Maoling. His great-grandfather Ma Tong had been enfeoffed as marquis of Chonghe but was executed when his brother Ma Heluo rebelled, so the family fell obscure for two generations. His three brothers Ma Kuang, Ma Yu, and Ma Yun were all capable men who held posts at two thousand piculs under Wang Mang.
2
援年十二而孤，少有大志，諸兄奇之。 嘗受《齊詩》，意不能守章句，乃辭況，欲就邊郡田牧。 況曰：『汝大才，當晚成。 良工不示人以樸，且從所好。 』會況卒，援行服期年，不離墓所； 敬事寡嫂，不冠不入廬。 後為郡督郵，送囚至司命府，囚有重罪，援哀而縱之，遂亡命北地。 遇赦，因留牧畜，賓客多歸附者，遂役屬數百家。 轉遊隴漢間，常謂賓客曰：『丈夫為志，窮當益堅，老當益壯。 』因處田牧，至有牛、馬、羊數千頭，穀數萬斛。 既而嘆曰：『凡殖貨財產，貴其能施賑也，否則守錢虜耳。 』乃盡散以班昆弟故舊，身衣羊裘皮褲。
Ma Yuan was orphaned at twelve yet aimed high even as a boy; his brothers thought him extraordinary. He had studied the Qi version of the Book of Odes but lacked patience for philological minutiae; he told Ma Kuang he would rather farm and herd on the frontier. Ma Kuang replied, 'Great talents ripen late.' A master craftsman does not display rough lumber—go where your heart leads you for now.' When Ma Kuang died Ma Yuan mourned a full year beside the tomb without leaving; he honored his widowed sister-in-law and would not enter her quarters unless properly capped. Later, as county mail inspector, he escorted prisoners to the capital. One man faced heavy punishment; Ma Yuan freed him out of pity and fled to Beidi as a fugitive. After a general amnesty he stayed to raise herds; retainers flocked in until hundreds of households owed him service. He roamed between Long and Han and often told his followers, 'A true man grows sterner in adversity and bolder with age.' Through farming and ranching he acquired thousands of head of livestock and tens of thousands of hu of grain. He sighed, 'Wealth only matters if you can use it to aid others; otherwise you are only hoarding like a miser.' He gave it all away to kinsmen and old friends and dressed himself in sheepskin and leather trousers.
3
是時，公孫述稱帝於蜀，囂使援往觀之。 援素與述同里閈，相善，以為既至當握手歡如平生，而述盛陳陛衛，以延援入，交拜禮畢，使出就館，更為援製都布單衣、交讓冠，會百官於宗廟中，立舊交之位。 述鸞旗旄騎，警蹕就車，磬折而入，禮饗官屬甚盛，欲授援以封侯大將軍位。 賓客皆樂留，援曉之曰：『天下雄雌未定，公孫不吐哺走迎國士，與圖成敗，反修飾邊幅，如偶人形。 此子何足久稽天下士乎！ 』因辭歸，謂囂曰：『子陽井底蛙耳，而妄自尊大，不如專意東方。』
When Gongsun Shu declared himself emperor in Shu, Wei Xiao sent Ma Yuan to assess him. Ma Yuan had grown up with Gongsun Shu and expected a warm reunion. Instead Gongsun arrayed guards like an emperor, welcomed him with court ritual, lodged him apart, had tailors sew him ceremonial robes and an 'inferior's' cap, and convened the officials in the ancestral temple to seat him as an old comrade. Gongsun rode out with imperial banners and halberdiers, cleared the streets, bowed low at every step, and held a lavish banquet; he offered Ma Yuan a marquisate and the post of grand general. His followers wanted to remain, but Ma Yuan said, 'Victory is still undecided. A worthy ruler would rush from table to welcome men of worth; Gongsun fusses over costume like a dressed-up doll.' How long does he think he can hold the attention of real men?' He declined and went back to Wei Xiao. 'Ziyang is a frog in a well who thinks himself mighty; focus your hopes on the east, not on Shu.'
4
建武四年冬，囂使援奉書洛陽。 援至，引見於宣德殿。 世祖笑謂援曰『卿遨遊二帝間，今見卿，使人大慚。 』援頓首辭謝，因曰：『當今之世，非獨君擇臣也，臣亦擇君矣。 臣與公孫述同縣，少相善。 臣前至蜀，述陛戟而後進臣。 臣今遠來，陛下何知非刺客奸人，而簡易若是？ 』帝復笑曰：『卿非刺客，顧說客耳。 』援曰：『天下反覆，盜名字者不可勝數。 今見陛下，恢廓大度，同符高祖，乃知帝王自有真也。 』帝甚壯之。 援從南幸黎兵，轉至東海。 及還，以為待詔，使太中大夫來歙持節送援西歸隴右。
In the winter of the fourth Jianwu year Wei Xiao sent Ma Yuan to Luoyang with a memorial. Guangwu received him in audience in the Xuande Hall. The emperor smiled and said, 'You have shuttled between rival courts; meeting you now almost embarrasses me.' Ma Yuan kowtowed and replied, 'Today it is not only the ruler who chooses his servants—the servants also choose their ruler.' 'I grew up in the same county as Gongsun Shu and we were friends.' 'When I went to Shu he lined the stairs with halberds before I could approach.' 'Now I have come from afar—how do you know I am no assassin? Yet you receive me with such ease.' 'You are no assassin,' laughed the emperor; 'you are a rhetorician.' 'The empire is in chaos and pretenders without number,' Ma Yuan continued. 'Yet seeing Your Majesty—generous as Gaozu—I know a true Son of Heaven when I meet one.' The emperor admired his words. Ma Yuan accompanied the southern progress to Liyang and was then assigned to the East Sea region. On his return he was named gentleman awaiting orders; Lai Xi was sent with credentials to escort him west to Longyou.
5
隗囂與援共臥起，問以東方流言及京師得失。 援說囂曰：『前到朝廷，上引見數十，每接宴語，自夕至旦，才明勇略，非人敵也。 且開心見誠，無所隱伏，闊達多大節，略與高帝同。 經學博覽，政事文辯，前世無比。 』囂曰：『卿謂何如高帝？ 』援曰：『不如也。 高帝無可無不可； 今上好吏事，動如節度，又不喜飲酒。 』囂意不懌，曰：『如卿言，反復勝邪？ 』然雅信援，故遂遣長子恂入質。 援因將家屬隨恂歸洛陽。 居數月而無它職任。 援以三輔地曠土沃，而所將賓客猥多，乃上書求屯田上林苑中，帝許之。
Wei Xiao shared Ma Yuan's couch and asked after gossip from the east and the court's fortunes. Ma Yuan told Wei Xiao, 'At court I was summoned repeatedly; we talked from dusk to dawn. His talent and daring have no match.' He is open and sincere, hides nothing, and has Gaozu's breadth of spirit.' His classical breadth and skill in government and rhetoric surpass any predecessor.' 'How does he compare to Gaozu?' asked Wei Xiao. 'He does not quite match,' said Ma Yuan. 'Gaozu was flexible in all things;' the present emperor loves orderly administration, moves by rule, and drinks little.' Wei Xiao's face fell. 'Then by your words he is better?' Still he trusted Ma Yuan and sent his eldest son Wei Xun to Luoyang as a hostage. Ma Yuan brought his family with Wei Xun to Luoyang. For months he held no other appointment. Because the capital region was broad and fertile and his following large, Ma Yuan asked to colonize land in the imperial park at Shanglin; the emperor agreed.
6
會隗囂用王元計，意更狐疑，援數以書記責譬於囂，囂怨援背己，得書增怒，其後遂發兵拒漢。 援乃上疏曰：『臣援自念歸身聖朝，奉事陛下，本無公輔一言之薦，左右為容之助。 臣不自陳，陛下何因聞之。 夫居前不能令人輊，居後不能令人軒，與人怨不能為人患，臣所恥也。 故敢觸冒罪忌，昧死陳誠。 臣與隗囂，本實交友。 初，囂遣臣東，謂臣曰：「本欲為漢，願足下往觀之。 於汝意可，即專心矣。 」及臣還反，報以赤心，實欲導之於善，非敢譎以非義。 而囂自挾奸心，盜憎主人，怨毒之情遂歸於臣。 臣欲不言，則無以上聞。 願聽詣行在所，極陳滅囂之術，得空匈腹，申愚策，退就隴畝，死無所恨。 』帝乃召援計事，援具言謀畫。 因使援將突騎五千，往來遊說囂將高峻、任禹之屬，下及羌豪，為陳禍福，以離囂支黨。
Wei Xiao followed Wang Yuan's counsel and wavered. Ma Yuan wrote again and again to remonstrate; Wei Xiao accused him of betrayal and grew furious until he raised arms against Han. Ma Yuan memorialized: 'I came to your court without a minister's recommendation or patronage.' If I had not spoken for myself, how would you have heard of me?' To lead without lifting others or lag without lowering them, yet draw hatred without becoming a threat—that would shame me.' So I risk offense to speak plainly.' Wei Xiao and I were friends.' When he sent me east he said, 'I mean to serve the Han; go and see for yourself.' If it suits you, we will commit wholeheartedly.' When I came back I urged him in good faith—I meant to lead him to virtue, not to deceive him.' Yet Wei Xiao nursed treason and blamed me like a thief who hates his master.' If I stay silent I cannot inform you.' Let me come to headquarters to lay out how to destroy Wei Xiao; I will empty my mind of counsel, then retire to the fields content.' The emperor summoned him and Ma Yuan laid out his whole plan. He gave Ma Yuan five thousand shock cavalry to win over Wei Xiao's officers Gao Jun and Ren Yu and even Qiang chieftains by explaining where fortune lay, splitting Wei's coalition.
7
援又為書與囂將楊廣，使曉勸於囂，曰：
Ma Yuan also wrote to Yang Guang, Wei Xiao's general, asking him to pass word to Wei Xiao:
8
春卿無恙，前別冀南，寂無音驛。 援間還長安。 因留上林。 竊見四海已定，兆民同情，而季孟閉拒背畔，為天下表的。 常懼海內切齒，思相屠裂，故遺書戀戀，以致惻隱之計。 乃聞季孟歸罪於援，而納王遊翁諂邪之說，自謂函谷以西，舉足可定，以今而觀，竟何如邪？ 援間至河內，過存伯春，見其奴吉從西方還，說伯春小弟仲舒望見吉，欲問伯春無它否，竟不能言，曉夕號泣，婉轉塵中。 又說其家悲愁之狀，不可言也。 夫怨仇可刺不可毀，援聞之，不自知泣下也。 援素知季孟孝愛，曾、閔不過。 夫孝於其親，豈不慈於其子？ 可有子抱三木，而跳梁妄作，自同分羹之事乎？ 季孟平生自言所以擁兵眾者，欲以保全父母之國而完墳墓也，又言茍厚士大夫而已。 而今所欲全者將破亡之，所欲完者，將毀傷之，所欲厚者將反薄之。 季孟嘗折愧子陽而不受其爵，今更共陸陸，欲往附之，將難為顏乎？ 若復責以重質，當安從得子主給是哉！ 往時子陽獨欲以王相待，而春卿拒之； 今者歸老，更欲低頭與小兒曹共槽櫪而食，並肩側身於怨家之朝乎？ 男兒溺死何傷而拘遊哉！ 今國家待春卿意深，宜使牛孺卿與諸耆老大人共說季孟，若計畫不從，真可引領去矣。 前披輿地圖，見天下郡國百有六所，奈何欲以區區二邦以當諸夏百有四乎？ 春卿事季孟，外有君臣之義，內有朋友之道。 言君臣邪，固當諫爭； 語朋友邪，應有切磋。 豈有知其無成，而但萎腇咋舌，叉手從族乎？ 及今成計，殊尚善也； 過是，欲少味矣。 且來君叔天下信士，朝廷重之，其意依依，常獨為西州言。 援商朝廷，尤欲立信於此，必不負約。 援不得久留，願急賜報。
'Chunqing, I trust you are well. Since we parted south of Ji I have had no word.' I returned secretly to Chang'an. He remained at Shanglin Park. The empire is pacified and the people of one mind, yet Wei Xiao ('Jimen') bars his gates and rebels—he has become the butt of the realm.' I fear the nation gnashes its teeth at him; I write again out of pity.' Now he blames me and listens to Wang Yuan's slick talk, thinking everything west of Hangu falls at a step. Look at the truth—how stands it?' I slipped into Henei to visit your son Bochun. Your slave Ji came back from the west and told how young Zhongshu saw him, tried to ask whether Bochun was safe, could not speak, and wept day and night in the dirt.' Their grief at home beggars description.' One may kill an enemy but should not torment a family; hearing this I wept without knowing it.' I know how filial Jimen is—Zengzi and Minzi could do no more.' If he honors parents will he not love his son?' Would he let his son wear the cangue while he plays the rebel like the man who asked for his father's soup?' He said he kept troops to protect his homeland and ancestors and to enrich his officers.' Yet what he meant to save will be ruined, what he meant to guard will be shattered, what he meant to enrich will turn poor.' He once scorned Gongsun Shu's titles; now he slinks to join him—can he show his face?' If Gongsun demands another hostage, where will you find princes to feed him?' Once Gongsun wanted to make you a king and you refused; now in old age will you bow with petty men at the same trough and sidle into a foe's court?' Better drown a man's honor than drag through such shame!' The court esteems you; let Niu Ruqing and the elders urge Wei Xiao. If he will not listen you may leave with head high.' I opened the map: one hundred six commanderies in the realm—how can two western pockets stand against a hundred and four in the heartland?' You serve him as subject without and as friend within.' As minister you should remonstrate; as friend you should debate frankly.' Can you watch him fail, bite your tongue, and fold your arms while kin die?' Settle with him now while there is time; wait longer and the taste turns bitter.' Lai Xi is the empire's honest broker and the court listens; he still speaks for the west.' I urge the court to keep faith with you; it will not break its word.' I cannot stay long—send answer quickly.'
9
廣竟不答。
Yang Guang never answered.
10
八年，帝自西征囂，至漆，諸將多以王師之重，不宜遠入險阻，計豫未決。 會召援，夜至，帝大喜，引入，具以群議質之。 援因說隗囂將帥有土崩之勢，兵進有必破之狀。 又於帝前聚米為山谷，指畫形勢，開示眾軍所從道徑往來，分析曲折，昭然可曉。 帝曰：『虜在吾目中矣。 』明旦，遂進軍至第一，囂眾大潰。
In the eighth year Guangwu marched west against Wei Xiao and reached Qi. Most generals argued that an imperial host should not plunge into defiles; the plan stalled. Ma Yuan was summoned; he arrived by night. The delighted emperor brought him in and tested every objection of the council. Ma Yuan showed that Wei's generals were ready to collapse and that Han could break them at a stroke. Before the emperor he heaped rice into a relief map, traced the valleys, and showed each column's route until all saw it clearly. 'The enemy lies plain before my eyes,' said the emperor. At dawn the army pushed to Diyiqu and routed Wei Xiao's host.
11
九年，拜援為太中大夫，副來歙監諸將平涼州。 自王莽末，西羌寇邊，遂入居塞內，金城屬縣多為虜有。 來歙奏言隴西侵殘，非馬援莫能定。 十一年夏，璽書拜援隴西太守。 援乃發步騎三千人，擊破先零羌於臨洮，斬首數百級，獲馬、牛、羊萬餘頭。 守塞諸羌八千餘人詣援降，詣種有數萬，屯聚寇抄，拒浩隘。 援與揚武將軍馬成擊之。 羌因將其妻子輜重移阻於允吾谷，援乃潛行間道，掩赴其營。 羌大驚壞，復遠徙唐翼谷中，援復追討之。 羌引精兵聚北山上，援陳軍向山，而分遣數百騎繞襲其後，乘夜放火，擊鼓叫噪，虜遂大潰，凡斬首千餘級。 援以兵少，不得窮追，收其谷糧畜產而還。 援中矢貫脛，帝以璽書勞之，賜牛、羊數千頭，援盡班諸賓客。
In the ninth year Ma Yuan became grand palace gentleman under Lai Xi to oversee the pacification of Liang province. Since Wang Mang's fall the western Qiang had raided the frontier, moved inside the passes, and seized much of Jincheng. Lai Xi reported that Longxi lay in ruins and only Ma Yuan could stabilize it. That summer an imperial rescript named Ma Yuan governor of Longxi. He marched three thousand infantry and cavalry, defeated the Xianling Qiang at Lintao, took several hundred heads, and captured more than ten thousand livestock. More than eight thousand Qiang along the passes surrendered; tens of thousands more clustered at Hao Pass raiding and looting. Ma Yuan and Ma Cheng, general who displays might, attacked them. The Qiang moved families and supplies into Yunwu Gorge; Ma Yuan took a hidden path and stormed their camp. The Qiang panicked and fled deep into Tangyi Valley; Ma Yuan pursued again. The Qiang massed picked warriors on the northern heights. Ma Yuan faced them while sending hundreds of riders around their rear; at night his men lit fires, beat drums, and shouted until the enemy broke, losing over a thousand heads. Too few to pursue far, he seized their grain and stock and withdrew. An arrow pierced Ma Yuan's shin; the emperor consoled him by rescript and sent thousands of head of livestock, which he gave entirely to his clients.
12
是時，朝臣以金城破羌之西，塗遠多寇，議欲棄之。 援上言，破羌以西城多完牢，易可依固； 其田土肥壤，灌溉流通。 如令羌在湟中，則為害不休，不可棄也。 帝然之，於是詔武威太守，令悉還金城客民。 歸者三千餘口，使各反舊邑。 援奏為置長吏，繕城郭，起塢候，開導水田，勸以耕牧，郡中樂業。 又遣羌豪楊封譬說塞外羌，皆來和親。 又武都氐人背公孫述來降者，援皆上復其侯王君長，賜印綬，帝悉從之。 乃罷馬成軍。
Court officials argued that land west of Poluo Qiang in Jincheng was distant and dangerous and should be abandoned. Ma Yuan replied that west of Poluo the towns stood strong and could be held; the soil was rich and irrigation worked; and if the Qiang held the Huang river basin the harm would never end—the land must not be surrendered. The emperor agreed and ordered the Wuwei governor to send every refugee back to Jincheng. More than three thousand people came home to their old towns. Ma Yuan had magistrates appointed, walls and watchtowers rebuilt, irrigation opened, and farming encouraged until the commandery prospered. He sent the Qiang elder Yang Feng to win over the tribes beyond the passes; all sued for peace. For Wudu Di who abandoned Gongsun Shu he restored their titles and seals; the emperor approved every request. Ma Cheng's army was then disbanded.
13
十三年，武都參狼羌與塞外諸種為寇，殺長吏。 援將四千餘人擊之，至氐道縣，羌在山上，授軍據便地，奪其水草，不與戰，羌遂窮困，豪帥數十萬戶亡出塞，諸種萬餘人悉降，於是隴右清靜。
In the thirteenth year the Senlang Qiang of Wudu joined outer tribes in killing officials. Ma Yuan took four thousand men to Didao. The Qiang held the heights; Ma Yuan cut their water and forage without fighting until they broke. Hundreds of thousands fled beyond the passes and over ten thousand surrendered, quieting Longyou.
14
援務開恩信，寬以待下，任吏以職，但總大體而已。 賓客故人，日滿其門。 諸曹時白外事，援輒曰：『此丞、掾之任，何足相煩。 頗哀老子，使得遨遊。 若大姓侵小民，黠羌欲旅距，此乃太守事耳。 』傍縣嘗有報仇者，吏民驚言羌反，百姓奔入城郭。 狄道長詣門，請閉城發兵。 援時與賓客飲，大笑曰：『燒虜何敢復犯我。 曉狄道長歸守寺舍，良怖急者，可床下伏。 』後稍定，郡中服之。 視事六年，徵入為虎賁中郎將。
Ma Yuan ruled with kindness and leniency, delegated routine business, and kept only the big decisions. Clients and old friends crowded his gate daily. When aides brought petty frontier news he said, 'That belongs to my assistants—do not bother me. Spare an old man and let him wander free. Great houses bullying commoners or Qiang plotting rebellion—that is the governor's business. When feuding killers in a neighboring county sparked rumors of a Qiang revolt, people fled into the cities. The Didao magistrate asked to seal the gates and call out troops. Ma Yuan, drinking with guests, laughed: 'Those ridge-bandits would not dare touch us. Tell the magistrate to go back to his yamen; anyone truly frightened may crawl under his couch. Calm returned and the commandery respected him. After six years he was recalled as colonel of the gentlemen for all purposes.
15
初，援在隴西上書，言宜如舊鑄五銖錢。 事下三府，三府奏以為未可許，事遂寢。 乃援還，從公府求得前奏，難十餘條，乃隨牒解釋，更具表言。 帝從之，天下賴其便。 援自還京師，數被進見。 為人明須發，眉目如畫，閑於進對，尤善述前世行事。 每言及三輔長者，下至閭里少年，皆可觀聽。 自皇太子、諸王侍聞者，莫不屬耳忘倦。 又善兵策，帝常言『伏波論兵，與我意合』，每有所謀，未嘗不用。
While in Longxi he had asked to resume casting the old five-zhu coin. The Three Offices judged against it and the matter slept. Back at court he retrieved his old memorial, answered each objection, and resubmitted. The emperor agreed and the empire benefited. After returning to the capital he was summoned often. He had a striking beard and painted brows, spoke easily at audience, and loved recounting old stories. Whether telling of capital elders or village youths, everyone listened. Heir-apparent and princes hung on his words. The emperor said Ma Yuan's military counsel matched his own and always acted on it.
16
初，卷人維汜，訞言稱神，有弟子數百人，坐伏誅。 後其弟子李廣等宣言汜神化不死，以誑惑百姓。 十七年，遂共聚會徒黨，攻沒完城，殺完侯劉閔，自稱『南嶽大師』。 遣謁者張宗將兵數千人討之，復為廣所敗。 於是使援發諸郡兵，合萬餘人，擊破廣等，斬之。
A Juan native named Wei Si had posed as a god with hundreds of disciples and was executed. His followers Li Guang and others claimed Wei Si had become immortal to deceive the people. In the seventeenth year they seized Wancheng, killed Marquis Liu Min, and Li Guang styled himself South March Grand Master. Usher Zhang Zong attacked with thousands and was beaten by Li Guang. Ma Yuan was ordered to raise ten thousand men from several commanderies, crushed Li Guang, and executed him.
17
又交阯女子徵側及女弟徵貳反，攻沒其郡，九真、日南、合浦蠻夷皆應之，寇略嶺外六十餘城，側自立為王。 於是璽書拜援伏波將軍，以扶樂侯劉隆為副，督樓船將軍段誌等南擊交阯。 軍至合浦而誌病卒，詔援並將其兵。 遂緣海而進，隨山刊道千餘里。 十八年春，軍至浪泊上，與賊戰，破之，斬首數千級，降者萬餘人。 援追徵側等至禁谿，數敗之，賊遂散走。 明年正月，斬徵側、徵貳，傳首洛陽。 封援為新息侯，食邑三千戶。 援乃擊牛釃酒，勞饗軍士。 從容謂官屬曰：『吾從弟少遊常哀吾慷慨多大志，曰：「士生一世，但取衣食裁足，乘下澤車，禦款段馬，為郡掾史，守墳墓，鄉里稱善人，斯可矣。 致求盈余，但自苦耳。 」當吾在浪泊、西裏間，虜未滅之時，下潦上霧，毒氣重蒸，仰視飛鳶跕跕墮水中，臥念少遊平生時語，何可得也！ 今賴士大夫之力，被蒙大恩，猥先諸君紆佩金紫，且喜且慚。 』吏士皆伏稱萬歲。
The sisters Zheng Ce and Zheng Er of Jiaozhi rebelled, seized their commandery, won Jiuzhen, Rinan, and Hepu, raided sixty cities south of the ranges, and Zheng Ce declared herself queen. An imperial rescript named Ma Yuan general who calms the waves with Liu Long of Fule as deputy and ordered him south with Duan Zhi's fleet against Jiaozhi. At Hepu Duan Zhi died; Ma Yuan absorbed his command. They marched along the coast and carved roads for more than a thousand li through the hills. In spring of the eighteenth year they fought at Langbo, won a victory with thousands of heads and ten thousand surrenders. He pursued the Zheng sisters to Forbidden Stream, routed them repeatedly, and they fled. The next New Year he beheaded both sisters and sent the heads to Luoyang. Ma Yuan was enfeoffed as marquis of Xixin with three thousand households. He slaughtered cattle and poured wine to feast the troops. He told his staff: 'My cousin Shaoyou used to say I should content myself with a clerk's post and local reputation.' Chasing more only brings pain.' »Yet between Langbo and Xili, with fever mist and poison air, watching kites drop into the swamps, how could I reach his humble ideal! Now, thanks to you, I wear gold and purple—both proud and humbled.' The troops shouted long life.
18
援將樓船大小二千餘艘，戰士二萬餘人，進擊九真賊徵側餘黨都羊等，自無功至居風，斬獲五千餘人，嶠南悉平。 援奏言西於縣戶有三萬二千，遠界去庭千餘里，請分為封溪、望海二縣，許之。 援所過輒為郡縣治城郭，穿渠灌溉，以利其民。 條奏越律與漢律駁者十餘事，與越人申明舊制以約束之，自後駱越奉行馬將軍故事。
With two thousand ships and twenty thousand men he cleared Jiuzhen of Du Yang's remnant bands from Wugong to Jufeng, taking five thousand heads and pacifying the south. He asked to split Xiyu into Fengxi and Wanghai; the court agreed. Wherever he marched he walled towns, dug canals, and helped the people. He harmonized Yue and Han law and the Luoyue thereafter kept General Ma's regulations.
19
二十年秋，振旅還京師，軍吏經瘴疫死者十四五。 賜援兵車一乘，朝見位次九卿。
In autumn of the twentieth year he brought the army home; miasma killed four or five tenths of the men. He received a war chariot and audience rank beside the Nine Ministers.
20
援好騎，善別名馬，於交阯得駱越銅鼓，乃鑄為馬式，還上之。 因表曰：『夫行天莫如龍，行地莫如馬。 馬者甲兵之本。 國之大用。 安寧則以別尊卑之序，有變則以濟遠近之難。 昔有騏驥，一日千里，伯樂見之，昭然不惑。 近世有西河子輿，亦明相法。 子輿傳西河儀長孺，長孺傳茂陵丁君都，君群傳成紀楊子阿，臣援嘗師事子阿，受相馬骨法。 考之於行事，輒有驗效。 臣愚以為傳聞不如親見，視景不如察形。 今欲形之於生馬，則骨法難備具，又不可傳之於後。 孝武皇帝時，善相馬者東門京鑄作銅馬法獻之，有詔立馬於魯班門外，則更名魯班門曰金馬門。 臣謹依儀氏䩭，中帛氏口齒，謝氏唇鬐，丁氏身中，備此數家骨相以為法。 』馬高三尺五寸，圍四尺五寸，有詔置於宣德殿下，以為名馬式焉。
He loved horses, judged them expertly, and cast a bronze horse model from a Luoyue drum for the throne. His memorial read: 'Dragon matches heaven; horse matches earth.' Horses are the root of arms. They are the state's great instrument. In peace they set rank; in crisis they bridge distances.' The steed Qiji ran a thousand li a day; Bole knew him at once.' In our day Ziyu of West River understood conformation.' Ma Yuan learned bone-reading from Yang Zi'e through Ding Jundu and Yi Changru.' Tested in practice it works.' Hearsay cannot match seeing a living horse.' Live horses cannot preserve bone lines for posterity.' Emperor Wu's groom Dongmen Jing cast a bronze model; the Golden Horse Gate outside Lu Ban took its name from it.' He combined Yi, Zhong, Xie, and Ding methods into one standard.' The statue stood three chi five high with girth four chi five and was set below Xuande Hall as the exemplar of a fine horse.'
21
初，援軍還，將至，故人多迎勞之。 平陵人孟冀，名有計謀，於坐賀援。 援謂之曰：『吾望子有善言，反同眾人邪？ 昔伏波將軍路博德開置七郡，裁封數百戶； 今我微勞，猥饗大縣，功薄賞厚，何以能長久乎？ 先生奚用相濟？ 』冀曰：『愚不及。 』援曰：『方今匈奴、烏桓尚擾北邊，欲自請擊之。 男兒要當死於邊野，以馬革裹屍還葬耳，何能臥床上在兒女子手中邪！ 』冀曰：『諒為烈士，當如此矣。』
As Ma Yuan neared the capital old friends came to greet him. Meng Ji of Pingling, known for counsel, offered bland congratulations. Ma Yuan said, 'I expected better from you than the usual flattery.' Look at Lu Bode: he earned seven commanderies for the Han yet held only a few hundred households in fief; my own service is small while my fief is huge—how can such a gap last?' What use is flattery to me?' Meng Ji said, 'I have no answer worth the name.' Ma Yuan said, 'The Xiongnu and Wuhuan still harry the north—I will ask to take the field against them.' A man ought to fall on the frontier in horsehide, not finish his days coddled by women!' Meng Ji said, 'That is the way a true man should talk.'
22
還月餘，會匈奴、烏桓寇扶風，援以三輔侵擾，園陵危逼，因請行，許之。 自九月至京師，十二月復出屯襄國。 詔百官祖道。 援謂黃門郎梁松、竇固曰：『凡人為貴，當使可賤，如卿等欲不可復賤，居高堅自持，勉思鄙言。 』松後果以貴滿致災，固亦幾不免。
A month later the Xiongnu and Wuhuan struck Fufeng; Ma Yuan cited the threat to the imperial tombs and won permission to march. He reached the capital in the ninth month and campaigned again from Xiangguo in the twelfth. The officials saw him off at the barrier. He warned Liang Song and Dou Gu at the Yellow Gates: 'Power should leave room for humility; once you cannot be humble again, cling fast to discipline—remember this rustic counsel.' Liang Song later fell to pride; Dou Gu barely escaped.
23
明年秋，援乃將三千騎出高柳，行雁門、代郡、上谷障塞。 烏桓候者見漢軍至，虜遂散去，援無所得而還。
The next autumn Ma Yuan led three thousand horsemen from Gaoliu through the Yanmen, Dai, and Shanggu frontier posts. The Wuhuan scouts spotted the Han advance and melted away; Ma Yuan came back empty-handed.
24
援嘗有疾，梁松來候之，獨拜床下，援不答。 松去後，諸子問曰：『梁伯孫帝婿，貴重朝廷，公卿已下莫不憚之，大人奈何獨不為禮？ 』援曰：『我乃松父友也。 雖貴，何得失其序乎？ 』松由是恨之。
When Ma Yuan fell ill, Liang Song called; he bowed at the bedside but Ma Yuan did not bow back. His sons asked how he could snub Liang Song, the emperor's son-in-law, feared by the whole court. Ma Yuan replied, 'I am his father's peer.' What of rank? The order between elder and younger must not be broken.' Liang Song nursed a grudge from that day.
25
二十四年，武威將軍劉尚擊武陵五溪蠻夷，深入，軍沒，援因復請行。 時年六十二，帝湣其老，未許之。 援自請曰：『臣尚能披甲上馬。 』帝令試之。 援據鞍顧眄，以示可用。 帝笑曰：『瞿鑠哉是翁也！ 』遂遣援率中郎將馬武、耿舒、劉匡、孫永等，將十二郡募士及弛刑四萬餘人征五溪。 援夜與送者訣，謂友人謂者杜愔曰：『吾受厚恩，年迫餘日索，常恐不得死國事。 今獲所願，甘心瞑目，但畏長者家兒或在左右，或與從事，殊難得調，介介獨惡是耳。 』明年春，軍至臨鄉，遇賊攻縣，援迎擊，破之，斬獲二千餘人，皆散走入竹林中。
In the twenty-fourth year Liu Shang's campaign against the Wuling tribes ended in annihilation; Ma Yuan again volunteered. At sixty-two he seemed too old; Guangwu demurred. Ma Yuan said, 'I can still arm myself and take the saddle.' The emperor bade him prove it. He seized the pommel, glanced around, and showed he was still strong. The emperor laughed, 'Tough as nails, this greybeard!' He gave Ma Wu, Geng Shu, Liu Kuang, and Sun Yong, over forty thousand recruits and remitted convicts from twelve commanderies, to subdue the five streams. The night before marching he told Du Yin, 'I have enjoyed great favor; I feared I might not die in service to the realm.' Now I have my wish and can die content—save that wellborn youths on my staff are hard to manage, and that alone vexes me.' The next spring at Linxiang he rescued a besieged county, killed two thousand, and drove the rest into the bamboo.
26
初，軍次下雋，有兩道可人，從壺頭則路近而水崄，從充則塗夷而運遠，帝初以為疑。 及軍至，耿舒欲從充道，援以為棄日費糧，不如進壺頭，扼其喉咽，充賊自破。 以事上之，帝從援策。
Below Xiajun two routes offered themselves: Hutou was closer but the water treacherous; Chong was level but the supply line long. The emperor had hesitated between them. Geng Shu wanted the easier Chong road; Ma Yuan chose Hutou to strangle the enemy, though the water was worse. The emperor approved Ma Yuan's plan.
27
三月，進營壺頭。 賊乘高守隘，水疾，船不得上。 會暑甚，士卒多疫死，援亦中病，遂困，乃穿岸為室，以避炎氣。 賊每升險鼓噪，援輒曳足以觀之，左右哀其壯意，莫不為之流涕。 耿舒與兄好畤侯弇書曰：『前舒上書當先擊充，糧雖難運而兵馬得用，軍人數萬爭欲先奮。 今壺頭竟不得進，大眾怫郁行死，誠可痛惜。 前到臨鄉，賊無故自致，若夜擊之，即可殄滅。 伏波類西域賈胡，到一處輒止，以是失利。 今果疾疫，皆如舒言。 』弇得書，奏之。 帝乃使虎賁中郎將梁松乘驛責問援，因代監軍。 會援病卒，松宿懷不平，遂因事陷之。 帝大怒，追收援新息侯印綬。
In the third month he camped at Hutou. The enemy held the defiles; the rapids stopped the boats. Summer sickness decimated the army; Ma Yuan fell ill and hollowed the riverbank for shelter from the heat. Whenever the tribesmen drummed on the cliffs he dragged himself out to look; his officers wept at his courage. Geng Shu wrote to his brother Geng Yan that he had urged the Chong route while supplies could still move. Now they were stuck at Hutou while men wasted away. At Linxiang the enemy had been ripe for a night attack. He mocked Ma Yuan as a peddler who halted at every halt. Now sickness proved Shu right. Geng Yan forwarded the letter to the throne. Guangwu sent Liang Song by relay to rebuke Ma Yuan and take over supervision. When Ma Yuan died Liang Song seized the chance to slander him. In wrath the emperor stripped the marquisate of Xixin.
28
初，兄子嚴、敦並喜譏議，而通輕俠客。 援前在交阯，還書誡之曰：『吾欲汝曹聞人過失，如聞父母之名，耳可得聞，口不可得言也。 好論議人長短，妄是非正法，此吾所大惡也，寧死不願聞子孫有此行也。 汝曹知吾惡之甚矣，所以復言者，施衿結䙰，申父母之戒，欲使汝曹不忘之耳。 龍伯高敦厚周慎，口無擇言，謙約節儉，廉公有威，吾愛之重之，願汝曹效之。 杜季良豪俠好義，憂人之憂，樂人之樂，清濁無所失，父喪致客，數郡畢至，吾愛之重之，不願汝曹效也。 效伯高不得，猶為謹敕之士，所謂刻鵠不成尚類鶩者也。 效季良不得，陷為天下輕薄子，所謂畫虎不成反類狗者也。 迄今季良尚未可知，郡將下車輒切齒，州郡以為言，吾常為寒心，是以不願子孫效也。 』季良名保，京兆人，時為越騎司馬。 保仇人上書，訟保『為行浮薄，亂群惑眾，伏波將軍萬里還書以誡兄子，而梁松、竇固以之交結，將扇其輕偽，敗亂諸夏。 』書奏，帝召責松、固，以訟書及援誡書示之，松、固叩頭流血，而得不罪。 詔免保官。 伯高名述，亦京兆人，為山都長，由此擢拜零陵太守。
His nephews Ma Yan and Ma Dun loved gossip and mixed with bravos. From Jiaozhi he had written: treat others' faults like parents' personal names—heard but not spoken. He loathed idle judgment of others and forbade his kin to indulge it. He repeated the lesson like a parent's parting charge. He praised Long Shu for sober virtue and urged them to emulate him. Du Baozhong was generous to a fault; admire him but do not copy him. Missing Bogao's mark still leaves you a sober man—like carving a swan and getting a duck. Missing Jiliang's mark makes you a swaggering fool—the tiger that becomes a dog. Officials still curse Du Baozhong; Ma Yuan trembled for him and forbade imitation. Du Baozhong's name was Bao of Jingzhao; he was a colonel of agile cavalry. A foe impeached Du Bao; the memorial cited Ma Yuan's letter and attacked Liang Song and Dou Gu for befriending him. Guangwu confronted Liang Song and Dou Gu with both letters; they kowtowed in terror. Du Bao lost his post. Long Shu rose from magistrate of Shandu to governor of Lingling.
29
初，援在交阯，常餌薏苡實，用能輕身省欲，以勝瘴氣。 南方薏苡實大，援欲以為種，軍還，載之一車。 時人以為南士珍怪，權貴皆望之。 援時方有寵，故莫以聞。 及卒後，有上書譖之者，以為前所載還，皆明珠文犀。 馬武與於陵侯侯昱等皆以章言其狀，帝益怒。 援妻孥惶懼，不敢以喪還舊塋，裁買城西數畝地槁葬而已。 賓客故人莫敢吊會。 嚴與援妻子草索相連，詣闕請罪。 帝乃出松書以示之，方知所坐，上書訴冤，前後六上，辭甚哀切，然後得葬。
In Jiaozhi Ma Yuan ate coix to resist miasma. He brought back a cart of large southern coix for seed. Rumor mistook the grain for treasure; grandees envied the load. While Ma Yuan lived in favor no one dared accuse him. After his death malice claimed his carts held pearls and rhino horn. Ma Wu and Hou Yu repeated the charges and enraged the emperor further. His family dared not bury him at home and laid him in a few mu west of Luoyang. Friends feared to attend the funeral. Ma Yan led the widow and children bound in straw to beg forgiveness at the gate. Only when Guangwu showed Liang Song's letter could they plead; after six appeals they won proper burial.
30
又前雲陽令同郡朱勃詣闕上書曰：
Zhu Bo of Yunyang then submitted this memorial:
31
臣聞王德聖政，不忘人之功，采其一美，不求備於眾。 故高祖赦蒯通而以王禮葬田橫，大臣曠然，咸不自疑。 夫大將在外，讒言在內，微過輒記，大功不計，誠為國之所慎也。 故章邯畏口而奔楚，燕將據聊而不下。 豈其甘心末規哉，悼巧言之傷類也。
True kings remember single virtues and do not demand perfection. Gaozu pardoned Kuai Tong and honored Tian Heng; ministers trusted their sovereign. Courts that tally petty faults abroad invite disaster. Zhang Han fled calumny; the Yan siege of Liaocheng stalled. They feared malicious counsel, not cowardice.
32
竊見故伏波將軍新息侯馬援，拔自西州，欽慕聖義，間關險難，觸冒萬死，孤立群貴之間，傍無一言之佐，馳深淵，入虎口，豈顧計哉！ 寧自知當要七郡之使，僥封侯之福邪？ 八年，車駕西討隗囂，國計狐疑，眾營未集，援建宜進之策，卒破西州。 及吳漢下隴，冀路斷隔，惟獨狄道為國堅守，士民饑困，寄命漏刻。 援奉詔西使，鎮慰邊眾，乃招集豪傑，曉誘羌戎，謀如湧泉，勢如轉規，遂救倒縣之急，存幾亡之城，兵全師進，因糧敵人，隴、冀略平，而獨守空郡，兵動有功，師進輒克。 銖鋤先零，緣入山谷，猛怒力戰，飛矢貫脛。 又出征交阯，土多瘴氣，援與妻子生訣，無悔吝之心，遂斬滅徵側，克平一州，間復南討，立陷臨鄉，師已有業，未竟而死，吏士雖疫，援不獨存。 夫戰或以久而立功，或以速而致敗，深入未必為得，不進未必為非。 人情豈樂久屯絕地，不生歸哉！ 惟援得事朝廷二十二年，北出塞漠，南度江海，觸冒害氣，僵死軍事，名滅爵絕，國土不傳。 海內不知其過，眾庶未聞其毀，卒遇三夫之言，橫被誣罔之讒，家屬杜門，葬不歸墓，怨隙並興，宗親怖栗。 死者不能自列，生者莫為之訟，臣竊傷之。
Zhu Bo praised Ma Yuan's western service and perilous loyalty. Could he have hoped for seven commanderies and a noble title?' In the eighth year his counsel broke Wei Xiao. When Wu Han took Long, Didao alone held out on the brink of starvation. Ma Yuan's western mission rallied allies, fed the army from the foe, and saved Didao. He drove the Xianling into the hills and took an arrow in the leg. He risked miasma in the south, executed the Zheng sisters, then died at Hutou while his men still fell to plague. Campaigns turn on timing; neither delay nor dash guarantees success. Who would willingly rot in a killing field? Twenty-two years he served north and south and died in harness, stripped of honor. Slander alone ruined him; kin sealed their doors in terror. The dead cannot defend themselves; Zhu Bo grieved for Ma Yuan.
33
夫明主醲於用賞，約於用刑。 高祖嘗與陳平金四萬斤以間楚軍，不問出入所為，豈復疑以錢谷間哉？ 夫操孔父之忠而不能自免於讒，此鄒陽之所悲也。 《詩》云：『取彼讒人，投畀豺虎。 豺虎不食，投畀有北。 有北不受，投畀有昊。 』此言欲令上天而平其惡。 惟陛下留思豎儒之言，無使功臣懷恨黃泉。 臣聞《春秋》之義，罪以功除； 聖王之祀，臣有五義。 若援，所謂以死勤事者也。 願下公卿平援功罪，宜絕宜續，以厭海內之望。
Wise rulers reward generously and punish sparingly. Gaozu trusted Chen Ping with gold—would he nitpick accounts?' Even Confucius's loyalty did not foil slander—Zou Yang wept for it. The Book of Odes says: cast slanderers to wolves.' If wolves refuse them, banish them north.' If the north rejects them, give them to Heaven.' The verse asks Heaven to judge malice.' Zhu Bo begged Guangwu not to let Ma Yuan hate him in the grave. The Spring and Autumn forgives guilt for merit; the sage king's temple honors five kinds of service. Ma Yuan died in diligent service. Zhu Bo asked the court to retry Ma Yuan's case for the empire's sake.
34
臣年已六十，常伏田里，竊感欒布哭彭越之義，冒陳悲憤，戰栗闕庭。
At sixty Zhu Bo risked all, like Luan Bu mourning Peng Yue.
35
書奏，報，歸田里。
The court answered and sent Zhu Bo home.
36
勃字叔陽，年十二能誦《詩》、《書》。 常候援兄況。 勃衣方領，能矩步。 辭言嫻雅，援裁知書，見之自失。 況知其意，乃自酌酒慰援曰：『朱勃小器速成，智盡此耳，卒當從汝稟學，勿畏也。 』朱勃未二十，右扶風請試守渭城宰，及援為將軍，封侯，而勃位不過縣令。 援後雖貴，常待以舊恩而卑侮之，勃愈身自親，及援遇讒，唯勃能終焉。 肅宗即位，追賜勃子穀二千斛。
Zhu Bo, style Shuyang, knew the classics at twelve. He studied under Ma Kuang. He wore scholar's square collar and walked with measured stride. Ma Yuan, barely literate, felt crude beside him. Ma Kuang reassured Ma Yuan that Zhu Bo's polish was shallow youth. Zhu Bo peaked as county magistrate while Ma Yuan rose to marquis. Ma Yuan still humbled Zhu Bo; only Zhu Bo stood by him in disgrace. Emperor Zhang gave Zhu Bo's son two thousand hu.
37
永平初，援女立為皇后，顯宗圖畫建武中名臣、列將於雲臺，以椒房故，獨不及援。 東平王蒼觀圖，言於帝曰：『何故不畫伏波將軍像？ 』帝笑而不言。 至十七年，援夫人卒，乃更修封樹，起祠堂。
Emperor Ming's Cloud Terrace portrait gallery omitted Ma Yuan because of the connection. Prince Cang asked why Ma Yuan was missing. The emperor smiled and said nothing. Only in the seventeenth year, after his wife died, was his tomb restored and a shrine raised.
38
建初三年，肅宗使五官中郎將持節追策，謚援曰忠成侯。 四子：廖、防、光、客卿。
In Jianchu 3 Emperor Zhang posthumously titled Ma Yuan Marquis Zhongcheng. He left four sons: Ma Liao, Ma Fang, Ma Guang, and Ma Keqing.
39
客卿幼而歧嶷，年六歲，能應接諸公，專對賓客。 嘗有死罪亡命者來過，客卿逃匿不令人知。 外若訥而內沈敏。 援甚奇之，以為將相器，故以客卿字焉。 援卒後，客卿亦夭沒。
Ma Keqing was a prodigy who at six could receive grandees and hold his own with visitors. When a fugitive facing execution sought refuge, the boy hid him from sight. He seemed dull in speech but was acute beneath. Ma Yuan saw ministerial gifts in him and styled him Keqing. Ma Keqing died in childhood after his father.
40
論曰：馬援騰聲三輔，遨遊二帝，及定節立謀，以幹時主，將懷負鼎之願，蓋為千載之遇焉。 然其戒人之禍，智矣，而不能自免於讒隙。 豈功名之際，理固然乎？ 夫利不在身，以之謀事則智； 慮不私己，以之斷義必厲。 誠能回觀物之智而為反身之察，若施之於人則能恕，自鑒其情亦明矣。
The historian calls Ma Yuan's rise through loyalty to rival courts and service to Guangwu a once-in-an-age alignment with fate. He lectured others on peril yet fell to gossip himself. Is fame's summit always stalked by envy? Detached from self-interest a man plans wisely; when duty is not selfish his verdict on right is severe. Turn the clarity used on others toward yourself and you forgive easily and see your own heart plain.
41
廖字敬平，少以父任為郎。 明德皇后既立，拜廖為羽林左監、虎賁中郎將。 顯宗崩，受遺詔典掌門禁，遂代趙熹為衛尉，肅宗甚尊重之。
Ma Liao, style Jingping, entered as gentleman by yin privilege. When Empress Ma took the throne he became colonel of the Forest of Plumes and colonel of the imperial guard. He held the testament commission at Emperor Ming's death, succeeded Zhao Xi as commandant of the guards, and won Emperor Zhang's trust.
42
時，皇太后躬履節儉，事從簡約，廖慮美業難終，上疏長樂宮以勸成德政，曰：
The dowager lived modestly; Ma Liao wrote to Changle Palace urging her to finish the good work she had begun:
43
臣案前世詔令，以百姓不足，起於世尚奢靡，故元帝罷服官，成帝御浣衣，哀帝去樂府。 然而侈費不息，至於衰亂者，百姓從行不從言也。 夫改政移風，必有其本。 傳曰：『吳王好劍客，百姓多創瘢； 楚王好細腰，宮中多餓死』。 長安語曰：『城中好高髻，四方高一尺； 城中好廣眉，四方且半額； 城中好大袖，四方全匹帛。 』斯言如戲，有切事實。 前下制度未幾，後稍不行。 雖或吏不奉法，良由慢起京師。 今陛下躬服厚繒，斥去華飾，素簡所安，發自聖性。 此誠上合天心，下順民望，浩大之福，莫尚於此。 陛下既已得之自然，猶宜加以勉勖，法太宗之隆德，戒成、哀之不終。 《易》曰：『不恒其德，或承之羞。 』誠令斯事一竟，則四海誦德，聲董天地，神明可通，金石可勒，而況於行仁心乎，況於行令乎！ 願置章坐側，以當瞽人夜誦之音。
Past edicts blamed popular want on fashion—Yuan, Cheng, and Ai each cut court excess. Yet waste continued because the people mimic action, not slogans. Reform needs a foundation. The king of Wu loved swordsmen and the people scarred; the king of Chu loved slim waists and palace girls starved.' 'Tall coiffures in the capital mean tall coiffures everywhere; broad brows in court mean broad brows in the land; wide sleeves at court exhaust whole bolts of silk.' The verse sounds light but tells true. New rules seldom lasted. When officials stray, the capital led them astray. You wear plain thick silk by nature, not show. That harmony with Heaven and the people is the greatest blessing. Hold fast: emulate Ming Emperor's thrift and avoid Cheng and Ai's relapse. The Book of Changes warns: wavering virtue brings shame.' Finish this course and the realm will sing your praise—spirit and stone will know your mind.' Keep these words beside your couch like a nightly lesson.
44
太后深納之。 朝廷大議。 輒以詢訪。
The dowager embraced his counsel. When the court deliberated major affairs the empress dowager routinely sought Ma Liao's counsel.
45
廖性質誠畏慎，不愛權勢聲名，盡心納忠，不屑毀譽。 有司連據舊典，奏封廖等，累讓不得已，建初四年，遂受封為順陽侯，以特進就第。 每有賞賜，輒辭讓不敢當，京師以是稱之。
Ma Liao was modest, avoided ostentation, served faithfully, and cared little for reputation. Court officials pressed a fief until he accepted the marquisate of Shunyang in Jianchu 4 as Specially Advanced. He refused gifts and Luoyang admired him.
46
子豫，為步兵校尉。 太后崩後，馬氏失勢，廖性寬緩，不能教勒子孫，豫遂投書怨誹。 又防、光奢侈，好樹黨與。 八年，有司奏免豫，遣廖、防、光就封。 豫隨廖歸國，考擊物故。 後詔還廖京師。 永元四年，卒。 和帝以廖先帝之舅，厚加赗賻，使者弔祭，王主會喪，謚曰安侯。
His son Ma Yu became colonel of foot soldiers. When the dowager died Ma Yu vented slander in letters; Ma Liao had been too mild to restrain him. Ma Fang and Ma Guang lived lavishly and cultivated factions. In year 8 officials cashiered Ma Yu and sent the brothers to their estates. Ma Yu returned with his father and died under the rod. An edict later recalled Ma Liao to Luoyang. He died in Yongyuan 4. Emperor He buried him as uncle of the late emperor with rich gifts and the title Marquis An.
47
子遵嗣，徙封程鄉侯。 遵卒，無子，國除。 元初三年，鄧太后詔封廖孫度為潁陽侯。
Ma Zun inherited and moved the fief to Chengxiang. Ma Zun died heirless and the fief lapsed. In Yuanchu 3 Empress Deng revived the line with Ma Du as marquis of Yingyang.
48
廖弟防
Ma Fang was the younger brother of Ma Liao.
49
防字江平，永平十二年，與弟光俱為黃門侍郎。 肅宗即位，拜防中郎將，稍遷城門校尉。
Ma Fang, style Jiangping, and Ma Guang were gentlemen at the Yellow Gates in Yongping 12. Emperor Zhang made him general of the household and then colonel of the gates.
50
建初二年，金城、隴西保塞羌皆反，拜防行車騎將軍事，以長水校尉耿恭副，將北軍五校兵及諸郡積射士三萬人擊之。 軍到冀，而羌豪布橋等圍南部都尉於臨洮。 防欲救之，臨洮道險，車騎不得方駕，防乃別使兩司馬將數百騎，分為前後軍，去臨洮十餘里為大營，多樹幡幟，揚言大兵旦當進。 羌候見之，馳還言漢兵盛不可當。 明旦遂鼓噪而前，羌虜驚走，因追擊破之。 斬首虜四千餘人，遂解臨洮圍。 防開以恩信，燒當種皆降，唯布橋等二萬餘人在臨洮西南望曲谷。 十二月，羌又敗耿恭司馬及隴西長史於和羅谷，死者數百人。 明年春，防遣司馬夏駿將五千人從大道向其前，潛遣司馬馬彭將五千人從間道沖其心腹，又令將兵長史李調等將四千人繞其西，三道俱擊，復破之，斬獲千餘人，得牛、羊十餘萬頭。 羌退走，夏駿追之，反為所敗。 防乃引兵與戰於索西，又破之。 布橋迫急，將種人萬餘降。 詔徵防還，拜車騎將軍，城門校尉如故。
In Jianchu 2 the border Qiang rebelled; Ma Fang led thirty thousand with Geng Gong as deputy. At Ji, Buqiao besieged the southern commandant at Lintao. Ma Fang feigned a large camp with banners while sending light troops to lift the siege. Qiang scouts overestimated his numbers. At dawn his drums scattered the tribesmen. He took four thousand heads and freed Lintao. The Shao Dang Qiang submitted; Buqiao held out in Wangqu Valley. That winter Qiang auxiliaries beat Han troops at Heluo—hundreds lost. Next spring Ma Fang attacked on three tracks through Xia Jun, Ma Peng, and Li Tiao. Xia Jun's pursuit failed. Ma Fang won again at Suoxi. Buqiao surrendered ten thousand followers. The court named him chariots-and-cavalry general and kept his gate command.
51
防貴寵最盛，與九卿絕席。 光自越騎校尉遷執金吾。 四年，封防潁陽侯，光為許侯，兄弟二人各六千戶。 防以顯宗寢疾，入參醫藥，又平定西羌，增邑千三百五十戶。 屢上表讓位，俱以特進就第。 皇太后崩，明年，拜防光祿勛，光為衛尉。 防數言政事，多見采用。 是冬始施行十二月迎氣樂，防所上也。 子鉅，為常從小侯。 六年正月，以鉅當冠，特拜為黃門侍郎。 肅宗親禦章臺下殿，陳鼎俎，自臨冠之。 明年，防復以病乞骸骨，詔賜故中山王田廬，以特進就第。
He ranked above the Nine Ministers in imperial favor. Ma Guang went from colonel of agile cavalry to bearer of the mace. In the fourth year Ma Fang became marquis of Yingyang and Ma Guang marquis of Xu—six thousand households each. Tending the sick emperor and pacifying the Qiang added thirteen hundred fifty households to Ma Fang. Both brothers repeatedly asked to retire as Specially Advanced. After her death Ma Fang became superintendent of the imperial household and Ma Guang commandant of the guards. Emperor Zhang adopted many of Ma Fang's policies. The winter court music reform came from Ma Fang. His son Ma Ju was attendant minor marquis. Ma Ju's capping brought appointment at the Yellow Gates. Emperor Zhang capped him at Zhangtai with full ritual. Ma Fang retired ill with Zhongshan estates as Specially Advanced.
52
防兄弟貴盛，奴婢各千人已上，資產巨億，皆買京師膏腴美田。 又大起第觀，連閣臨道，彌亙街路，多聚聲樂，曲度比諸郊廟。 賓客奔湊，四方畢至，京兆杜篤之徒數百人，常為食客，居門下。 刺史、守、令多出其家。 歲時賑給鄉閭，故人莫不周洽。 防又多牧馬畜，賦斂羌胡。 帝不喜之，數加譴敕，所以禁遏甚備，由是權勢稍損，賓客亦衰。 八年，因兄子豫怨謗事，有司奏防、光兄弟奢侈逾僭，濁亂聖化，悉免就國。 臨上路，詔曰：『舅氏一門，俱就國封，四時陵廟無助祭先後者，朕甚傷之。 其令許侯思愆田廬，有司勿復請，以尉朕《渭陽》之情。』
They owned thousands of slaves and bought the best land in Luoyang. Their mansions and music rivaled imperial ritual. Hundreds of retainers including Du Du lodged with them. They placed kin as governors across the realm. They fed neighbors each New Year. Ma Fang ran vast herds and taxed frontier tribes. Emperor Zhang curbed them until their influence shrank. In year 8 Ma Yu's letters triggered charges of luxury; both brothers lost office. Guangwu's heir mourned that no Ma kin would tend the imperial tombs. He spared Ma Guang rent to soothe the bond of the Weiyang ode.'
53
光為人小心周密，喪母過哀，帝以是特親愛之，乃復位特進。 子康，黃門侍郎。 永元二年，光為太僕，康為侍中。 及竇憲誅，光坐與厚善，復免就封。 後憲奴誣光與憲逆，自殺，家屬歸本郡。 本郡復殺康，而防及寥子遵皆坐徙封丹陽。 防為翟鄉侯，租歲限三百萬，不得臣吏民。 防後以江南下濕，上書乞歸本郡，和帝聽之。 十年，卒。
Ma Guang's grief for his mother won him restoration as Specially Advanced. Ma Kang served at the Yellow Gates. In Yongyuan 2 Ma Guang became grand coachman and Ma Kang attendant. Dou Xian's fall implicated Ma Guang. A Dou slave framed Ma Guang for treason; he killed himself. Local authorities executed Ma Kang; Ma Fang and Ma Zun were moved to Danyang. Ma Fang became marquis of Zhaxiang with capped income and no magisterial power. He asked to leave damp Jiangnan for home; Emperor He agreed. He died in the tenth year.
54
子鉅嗣，後為長水校尉。 永初七年，鄧太后詔諸馬子孫還京師，隨四時見會如故事，復紹封光子朗為合鄉侯。
Ma Ju succeeded and became colonel of the Long River. In Yongchu 7 Empress Deng recalled the Ma house and enfeoffed Ma Lang as marquis of Hexiang.
55
嚴字威卿。 父余。 王莽時為楊州牧。 嚴少孤，而好擊劍，習騎射。 後乃白援，從平原楊太伯講學，專心墳典，能通《春秋左氏》，因覽百家群言，遂交結英賢，京師大人咸器異之。 仕郡督郵，援常與計議，委以家事。 弟敦，字孺卿，亦知名。 援卒後，嚴乃與敦俱歸安陵，居鉅下，三輔稱其義行，號曰『鉅下二卿』。
Ma Yan, style Weiqing. His father was Ma Yu. Under Wang Mang he was shepherd of Yangzhou. Orphaned young, Ma Yan loved swordplay, riding, and archery. He then studied under Yang Taibo, mastered the Zuo tradition, read widely, and won the respect of Luoyang notables. As county mail inspector he counseled Ma Yuan, who left him family business. His brother Ma Dun, style Ruqing, was likewise famous. After Ma Yuan's death the brothers retired below the great mound at Anling; locals called them the 'Two Ministers of the Mound.'
56
明德皇后既立，嚴乃閉門自守，猶復慮致譏嫌，遂更徙北地，斷絕賓客。 永平十五年，皇后敕使移居洛陽。 顯宗召見，嚴進對閑雅，意甚異之，有詔留仁壽闥，與校書郎杜撫、班固等雜定《建武註記》。 常與宗室近親臨邑侯劉復等論議政事，甚見寵幸。 後拜將軍長史，將北軍五校士，羽林禁兵三千人，屯西河美稷，衛護南單于，聽置司馬、從事。 牧守謁敬，同之將軍。 敕嚴過武庫，祭蚩尤，帝親御阿閣，觀其士眾，時人榮之。
When his niece became empress he shut his gate, then moved to Beidi to avoid scandal and cut off visitors. In Yongping 15 the empress ordered him to Luoyang. Emperor Ming kept him at Renshou to collate the Jianwu annals with Du Fu and Ban Gu. He debated policy with Liu Fu of Linyi and won imperial favor. As chief clerk he commanded northern-army and palace troops at Meiji to guard the southern Shanyu. Provincial governors treated him like a general. Emperor Ming watched his troops pass the arsenal for the Chiyou rite—a signal honor.
57
肅宗即位，徵拜侍御史中丞，除子鱄為郎，令勸學省中。 其冬，有日食之災，嚴上封事曰：
Emperor Zhang made Ma Yan imperial secretary and Ma Zhuan a gentleman-in-attendance for study. That winter's eclipse inspired Ma Yan's sealed memorial:
58
臣聞日者眾陽之長，食者陰侵之徵。 《書》曰：『無曠庶官，天工人其代之。 』言王者代天官人也。 故考績黜陟，以明褒貶。 無功不黜，則陰盛陵陽。 臣伏見方今刺史、太守專州典郡，不務奉事盡心為國，而司察偏阿，取與自己，同則舉為尤異，異則中以刑法，不即垂頭塞耳，采求財賂。 今益州刺史朱酺、楊州刺史倪說、涼州刺史尹業等，每行考事，輒有物故，又選舉不實，曾無貶坐，是使臣下得作威福也。 故事，州、郡所舉上奏，司直察能否以懲虛實。 今宜加防檢，式遵前制。 舊，丞相、御史親治職事，唯丙吉以年老優遊，不案吏罪，於是宰府習為常俗，更共罔養，以崇虛名，或未曉其職，便復遷徙，誠非建官賦祿之意。 宜敕正百司，各責以事，州郡所舉，必得其人。 若不知言，裁以法令。 傳曰：『上德以寬服民，其次莫如猛。 故火列則人望而畏之，水懦則入狎而玩之。 為政者寬以濟猛，猛以濟寬。 』如此，綏御有體，災眚消矣。
The sun rules yang; an eclipse marks yin's advance. The Book of Documents says: fill Heaven's offices faithfully.' The king stands in for Heaven in staffing the realm.' Merit reviews reward and punish. If useless officials stay, yin overwhelms yang. Governors favor allies, sell justice, and squeeze bribes. Inspectors Zhu Fu, Ni Shuo, and Yin Ye kill men during audits yet face no demotion for bad picks. Formerly the Director of Integrity vetted recommendations. Restore those inspections. Since Bing Ji's lax ministry, offices neglect duty and chase empty fame. Charge every bureau; demand real talent from each nomination. Punish ignorance of duty by law.' Tradition says: govern first with kindness.' Fire frightens; water invites contempt.' Good rule mixes severity with mercy.' Balance rule and omens fade.'
59
書奏，帝納其言而免酺等官。
Emperor Zhang accepted it and cashiered Zhu Fu and peers.
60
弟敦，官至虎賁中郎將。 嚴七子，唯續、融知名。 續字季則，七歲能通《論語》，十三明《尚書》，十六治《詩》，博觀群籍，善《九章算術》。 順帝時，為護羌校尉，遷度遼將軍，所在有威恩稱。 融自有傳。
Ma Dun reached colonel of the imperial guard. Of Ma Yan's seven sons Ma Xu and Ma Rong stood out. Ma Xu mastered classics young and excelled at the Nine Chapters. Emperor Shun named him Colonel Who Protects the Qiang and General Who Crosses the Liao. Ma Rong has his own biography.
61
棱字伯威，援之族孫也。 少孤，依從兄毅共居業，恩猶同產。 毅卒無子，棱心喪三年。
Ma Leng, style Bowei, was a collateral descendant of Ma Yuan. He lived with cousin Ma Yi as brothers might. When Yi died heirless Ma Leng mourned three years as for a parent.
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贊曰：伏波好功，爰自冀、隴。 南靜駱越，西屠燒種。 徂年已流，壯情方勇。 明德既升，家祚以興。 廖乏三趣，防遂驕陵。
The encomium: Ma Yuan sought glory from Hebei to Longyou. South he pacified Luoyue; west he broke the Shaodang Qiang. Years rolled on; his courage never flagged. Empress Ming lifted the Ma house. Ma Liao stumbled three ways; Ma Fang turned arrogant.