Page 217 - 《孟子》（一）中·英对照版

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you hear?”
Mencius replied, “When words are one-sided,

I know how the mind of the speaker is clouded
over. When words are extravagant, I know how
the mind is fallen and sunk. When words are all-
depraved, I know how the mind has departed from
principle. When words are evasive, I know how the
mind is at its wit’s end. These evils growing in the
mind, do injury to government, and, displayed in the
government, are hurtful to the conduct of affairs.
When a sage shall again arise, he will certainly
follow my words.”

On this Chou observed, “Zai Wo and Zigong
were skilful in speaking. Ran Niu, the disciple Min,
and Yan Yuan, while their words were good, were
distinguished for their virtuous conduct. Confucius
united the qualities of the disciples in himself, but
still he said, 'In the matter of speeches, I am not
competent.’ —Then, Master, have you attained to be

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