《资治通鉴·宋纪·宋纪十三》
袁本无大将的才略，又性情卑怯。在军营中，他从不穿军服，谈话也不涉及战阵，而只吟诗作赋，谈论义理，对各将领既不安抚鼓励，又不肯接见。刘胡每次讨论军事，袁对他的回答和应酬都很简略、怠慢。
顗本无将略，性又怯桡，在军中未尝戎服，语不及战陈，唯赋诗谈义而已，不复抚接诸将；刘胡每论事，酬对甚简。
Yuan had neither the talent of a great general nor the courage of a brave warrior. In the military camp, he never wore military uniform, and he never discussed strategies. He only talked about writing poems, essays and the purpose of life. He did not comfort or encourage the generals, nor did he meet them. Whenever Liu Hu discussed military affair, Yuan’s response was very brief and rude.