《宋史·列传·卷一百一十七》
李纲仍然极力推辞，皇上说： 朕早就知道卿的忠义智略，想让敌国害怕服从，让全国安宁，非卿出任宰相不可，卿不要推辞了。 李纲点头流泪表示感谢，说：
纲犹力辞，上曰： 朕知卿忠义智略久矣，欲使敌国畏服，四方安宁，非相卿不可，卿其勿辞。 纲顿首泣谢，云：
Li Gang still strongly declined. The emperor said, "I have known of Your Excellency's loyal and wise strategies for a long time. In order to instill fear and obedience in our enemies, and bring peace to the entire nation, you must serve as prime minister; you cannot decline." Li Gang nodded and expressed his gratitude through tears, saying,