Usually, when a knightly gentleman undertakes something, (people think) only about how much enthusiasm he possesses. But he should firm his resolve by mingling with eccentric, but extraordinary people. And awake his motivation by wandering amoung the famed mountains and great rivers.
The Fifth Year of Ansei, The 23rd of the First Month. “Letter send to Kodama Shijou on his trip to Kyuushuu and Shikoku”.

18日奇傑非常の士に交はる
大凡士君子の事を成すは、志気何如に在るのみ。志を立つるは奇傑非常の士に交はるに在り、気を養ふは名山大川を跋渉するに在り。
安政五年正月二十三日「児玉士常の九国・四国に遊ぶを送る敍」