姑苏人丁君琰佐南城，南城之政平。余知其令，令曰：「丁君之佐我。」又知其邑人，邑人无不乐道之者。余既患今之士，而常慕古之人，每观良吏一传，则反覆爱之。如丁君之信于其邑，余于旁近邑之所未见，故爱之特深。今为令于淮阴，上之人知其材而举用之也。于令也，得人矣。使丁君一推是心以往，信于此，有不信于彼哉！
求余文者多矣，拒而莫之与也。独丁君之行也，不求余文，而余乐道其所尝论者以送之，以示重丁君，且勉之，且勉天下之凡为吏者也。
送丁琰序
姑苏县的丁君琰担任南城知县，南城的政局平稳。我知道他的为人，他对我说：“丁君是我的帮手。” 我也知道他的同乡人，他们无一不喜欢提起他。我对现在的官员很不满，经常向往古代的人。每次看到好官传记时，我反复爱读。像丁君那样信任他的百姓，我所见到的邻近地区的百姓中还没有这样的，所以对他特别喜爱。现在我在淮阴当知县，上级知道我有才能而提拔我。作为一个知县，我已经得到人了。假如让丁君推广这种思想，相信这一点，对谁也不会怀疑吧！
求我的文稿的人很多，但是我没有接受任何一封。只有丁君的行为，他不求我的文稿，而我愿意谈论我曾经谈论过的事情，以此送别他，以此显示我对他的重视，也勉励丁君，同时勉励天下之所有做官的人都应如此。
译文：
The Letter to Ding Yanxu
In the county of Gushan, a man named Ding Yuan was serving as the Magistrate of Nancheng. The governance of Nancheng was smooth. I knew him well. When I asked about his abilities, he told me: “Ding Yuan is my assistant.” I also learned that many people in his hometown were delighted to praise him. Since then, whenever I look at a good official’s biography, I love reading it repeatedly. Such trust from an official in one’s own town can be rare; thus, when I see it in others, it becomes even more precious. Now, I am serving as Mayor in Huaiyang City. Upon knowing of his talent, the superiors have promoted him. In terms of being a Magistrate, I have already found someone who fits the role. If Ding Yuan could take this attitude and apply it, would there be anyone doubting him?
There have been many people asking for my writings. But I have never accepted any requests. It was only Ding Yuan who did not seek my writings. I am happy to talk about what I have previously written about his name, so that I could part ways with him. This is to show my respect for Ding Yuan, as well as to encourage him. And to encourage all officials around the country.
注释：
- 姑苏：今江苏省苏州市。
- 丁君：指丁琰。
- 南城之政平：指丁琰治理南城的政治局面稳定。
- 令：这里指县长。
- 信于其邑：在县城里受到人们的信赖。
- 旁近邑：附近的县城。
- 重：尊重、重视。
- 示重丁君：表示对丁琰的敬重。
- 且勉之：并且鼓励他。
- 且勉天下之凡为吏者也：并且鼓励那些做官的人都应如此。