Page 154 - 《孟子》（三）中·英对照版

?孟
子

is called ‘a minister of the marketplace and well,’ and
one residing in the country is called ‘a minister of the
grass and plants.’ In both cases he is a common man,
and it is the rule of propriety that common men,
who have not presented the introductory present
and become ministers, should not presume to have
interviews with the prince.”

Wan Zhang said, “If a common man is called to
perform any service, he goes and performs it; how is
it that a scholar, when the prince, wishing to see him,
calls him to his presence, refuses to go?”

Mencius replied, “It is right to go and perform
the service; it would not be right to go and see the
prince. And,” added Mencius, “on what account is it
that the prince wishes to see the scholar?”

Wan Zhang said, “Because of his extensive
information, or because of his talents and virtue,”
was the reply.

Mencius replied, “If because of his extensive

132