Yelü Chucai, a descendant of the ruling family of the Khitan Liao dynasty (907–1125), was a prominent statesman under the Mongol khans. This poem, his only extant autograph, shows boldly angular characters written in a simple yet imposing style. The blunt monumental calligraphy recalls that of another eminent statesman, Yan Zhenqing (709–785), who wrote as though "inscribing stone with a stylus."

This poem is a plea for humanitarian rule. It ends with the admonition: "Despotic officials and shyster underofficials, may they feel ashamed!"

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