Four-word poems were based on a verse form that already achieved an independent style of four-word poem as well as inherited the verse form of the Book of Odes (詩經). In particular, despite its formality that makes it difficult to reveal literary achievements compared with five-word poems with fewer writers composing poems, four-word poems written by Tao Yuanming made outstanding achievements. First of all, four-word poems of Tao Yuanming, which were originated from and inherited the verse form of the Book of Odes, not only were consistent with the teaching of the Book saying ‘rise in the emotion but stop in courtesy (發乎情, 止乎禮義)’ but also featured gentle and soft style and had strong compassion (溫柔敦厚), containing the sincere will and preference of the writer. At the same time, the distinct characteristics and literary achievements that he accomplished through his four-word poems, which were different from those of other writers, were free from the poems of the Book of Odes although they were based on them and contained the unique ‘naturalness’ and ‘sincerity’ of Tao Yuanming. In other words, his four-word poems written on the basis of his natural talent rather than by learning as if peaceful energy of the heaven and the earth gathers (冲和之氣), seemed natural without decorating and neat and elegant, and had a quality of living free from worldly cares. In addition, these qualities reflected in his daily life as well as were embodied in his works, indicating his life being consistent with his works. On the other hand, Su Shi who composed serial poetry of persons for the first time, opening the literary spirit of drinking poems, wrote the echo poems (和韻) of Jeongun (停雲) of Tao Yuanming but achieved a style different from those of him. It resulted from his disposition as well as his motives for creation. Unlike Tao Yuanming who voluntarily decided his position, Su Shi was not able to achieve natural will and preference as he tried to learn those of Tao Yuanming when he lost his position after entering government service. Furthermore, Su Shi’s Jeongun written in the Song Dynasty, which was much later than Eastern Jin Dynasty when Tao Yuanming lived, were quite different from the verse style of original four-word poems in terms of formality.