《南史·本纪·卷一》
刘毅一向具有雄才大志，与武帝一起兴复晋朝，自认为京城、广陵的功劳足以互相抗衡，虽然暂且推举武帝，而心中却不服气。
毅既有雄才大志，与帝俱兴复晋室，自谓京城、广陵功足相抗，虽权事推帝，而心不服也。
Liu Yi had always been extremely ambitious, and having restored the Jin together with Emperor Wu, thought that his contributions in the capital and Guangling could stand comparison, so although he temporarily acclaimed Emperor Wu, he was not willing to submit to him in his heart.