朕惟古者立太史之官，守典奉法，所以考天行，而定岁纪也。苟称厥职，司授时之典，实嘉赖之。况克殚艺能，有资军国，则生膺荣秩，殁示褒崇，岂有靳焉。尔南怀仁，秉心质朴，肄业淹通，远泛海外以输忱，久服官而宣力；明时正度，历象无讹，望气占云，星躔式叙；既协灵台之掌，复储武库之需。覃运巧思，督成火器，用摧坚垒，克裨戎行。可谓执事惟精，奉职弗懈者矣。遽闻溘逝，深切悼伤，追念成劳，易名“勤敏”。呜呼！锡命永光乎重壤，纪功广示于遐陬，勒以贞珉，用垂弗替。康熙二十八年四月初一日。

Chinese—English

I consider that, in ancient times, the office of Grand Astrologer was established to uphold the rites and follow the law, so as to observe the movements of heaven and fix the calendar. If one fulfills one’s duties and supervises the canonical methods of measuring time, it is truly commendable. Moreover, if one is skilled in many arts and useful to the state, one receives honor in life and is praised in death; there is nothing begrudging in this.

You, Nan Huairen, are simple and sincere in heart, broadly learned and thoroughly skilled. You journeyed far across the seas to offer your devotion, and served long in office to exert your abilities. Your calculations were accurate; your observations of clouds and stars were properly recorded. You not only assisted in the management of the Observatory, but also supplied the armory as needed. With ingenuity and careful planning, you supervised the production of firearms, breached fortifications, and contributed to military affairs. Truly, your work was carried out with precision, and you performed your duties without neglect.

When we suddenly heard of your passing, our grief was profound. Reflecting on your labors, we posthumously granted you the name “Diligent and Alert.” Alas! May this imperial favor shine forever upon the land, your merits widely commemorated in distant regions, inscribed on a faithful stele, to endure without fail.

Dated the first day of the fourth month in the twenty-eighth year of the Kangxi reign (April 11, 1689).