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PT. III. SECT. iv.
THE WRITINGS OF KWANG-SZE.
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his father, showed so much skill in emaciating his person that he received the rank of 'Pattern for Officers. Half the people of his neighbourhood (in consequence) carried their emaciation to such a point that they died. When Yâo wished to resign the throne to Hsü Ya, the latter ran away. When Thang offered his to Wa Kwang?, Wa Kwang became angry. When Ki Thâ heard it, he led his disciples, and withdrew to the river Kho, where the feudal princes came and condoled with him, and after three years, Shăn Tha-ti* threw himself into the water Fishing-stakes6 are employed to catch fish; but when the fish are got, the men forget the stakes. Snares are employed to catch hares, but when the hares are got, men forget the snares. Words are employed to convey ideas; but when the ideas are apprehended, men forget the words. Fain would I talk with such a man who has forgot the words!
1 The abstinences and privations in mourning were so many that there was a danger of their seriously injuring the health; which was forbidden.
* See Bk. VI, par. 3; but in the note there, Wa Kwang is said to have been of the time of Hwang-Ti; which is probably an error.
See IV, par. 3 ; but I do not know who Ki Thâ was, nor can I explain what is said of him here.
See again IV, par. 3. & According to some, baskets. This illustration is quoted in the Inscription on the Nestorian Monument, II, 7.
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