《宋书·志·卷二十九》
于是远方有白鸠，梳理羽毛飞来，天性娴静淑雅，羽毛鲜艳美丽。我既听说先前出现过白鸠，现在又亲眼目睹嘉祥的瑞物，不胜欢欣鼓舞，上《白鸠颂》一首。
以素鸠自远，翰归飞，资性闲淑，羽貌鲜丽，既闻之先说，又亲睹嘉祥，不胜藻抃，上颂一首。
Accordingly, white pigeons flew gracefully from afar, their feathers exquisite and vibrant. Since I had heard that white egrets appeared before, I was filled with joy and encouragement. I composed the "Ode to the White Egrets" now in your hands.