Book Title: Text of Confucianism Part 01
Author(s): James Legge
Publisher: Oxford

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Page 2638
________________ 158 THE TEXTS OF TAOISM. BK. XXVIII. benevolence and righteousness; and to be fond of the show of chariots and horses :these are things which Hsien cannot bear to do.' 3ăng-zze was residing in Wei. He wore a robe quilted with hemp, and had no outer garment; his countenance looked rough and emaciated ; his hands. and feet were horny and callous; he would be three days without lighting a fire ; in ten years he did not have a new suit; if he put his cap on straight, the strings would break; if he drew tight the overlap of his robe, his elbow would be seen ; in putting on his shoes, the heels would burst them. Yet dragging his shoes along, he sang the 'Sacrificial Odes of Shang' with a voice that filled heaven and earth as if it came from a bell or a sounding stone. The Son of Heaven could not get him to be a minister; no feudal prince could get him for his friend. So it is that he who is nourishing his mind's aim forgets his body, and he who is nourishing his body discards all thoughts of gain, and he who is carrying out the Tâo forgets his own mind. Confucius said to Yen Hui, “Come here, Hui. Your family is poor, and your position is low; why should you not take office ?' Hui replied, 'I have no wish to be in office. Outside the suburban district I possess fields to the extent of fifty acres, which are sufficient to supply me with congee; and inside it I have ten acres, which are sufficient to supply me with silk and flax. I find my pleasure in playing on my lute, and your doctrines, Master, which I study, are sufficient for my enjoyment; I do not wish to take office.' Confucius looked sad, changed countenance, and said, “How good is the mind of Hui! I have heard that he who is con Digitized by Google

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