Page 209 - 《论语》（四）中·英对照版

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staff in the ground, and proceeded to weed. Tsze-lu
joined his hands across his breast, and stood before
him. The old man kept Tsze-lu to pass the night in
his house, killed a fowl, prepared millet, and feasted
him. He also introduced to him his two sons. Next
day, Tsze-lu went on his way, and reported his
adventure. The Master said, “He is a recluse,” and
sent Tsze-lu back to see him again, but when he got
to the place, the old man was gone. Tsze-lu then said
to the family, “Not to take office is not righteous.
If the relations between old and young may not be
neglected, how is it that he sets aside the duties that
should be observed between sovereign and minister?
Wishing to maintain his personal purity, he allows
that great relation to come to confusion. A superior
man takes office, and performs the righteous duties
belonging to it. As to the failure of right principles to
make progress, he is aware of that.”

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