《后汉书·列传·袁绍刘表列传上》
假使臣想着随俗浮沉，苟且偷安，贪图荣华富贵，那么进可以享受高官厚禄，退不会发生家门的灾难。
若使苟欲滑泥扬波，偷荣求利，则进可以享窃禄位，退无门户之患。
Had I wished to follow the general customs in doing things, to live in peace and security, and strive for glory, wealth and power, in that event, I could have gone forward and enjoyed high emoluments, while retiring without causing misfortune to my House.