________________
PIAO KI.
349
is said in the Lessons from the States (I, xiv, ode 1, 3),
BK. XXIX.
"I grieve; would they but lodge with me!"'
49. The Master said, 'Dissatisfaction and calamity will come to him whose lip-kindness is not followed by the corresponding deeds. Therefore the superior man will rather incur the resentment arising from his refusal than the charge of promising (and then not fulfilling). It is said in the Lessons from the States (V, ode 4, 6),
"I wildly go; I'll never know Its smiles and chat again,
To me you clearly swore the faith, Which now to break you're fain. Could I foresee so false you'd be? And now regrets are vain."
50. The Master said, 'The superior man is not affectionate to others with his countenance (merely) as if, while cold in feeling, he could assume the appearance of affection. That belongs to the small man, and stamps him as no better than the thief who makes a hole in the wall.'
51. The Master said, 'What is required in feeling is sincerity; in words, that they be susceptible of proof 1.'
52. These were the words of the Master :-'The ancient and intelligent kings of the three dynasties all served the Spiritual Intelligences of heaven and earth, but invariably used the tortoise-shell and divining stalks. They did not presume to employ their own private judgment in the service of God.
1 Here ends the 7th section, showing how the superior man strives to be sincere in his words and looks.
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