Page 109 - 《孟子》（二）中·英对照版
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Mencius answered, “The loss of his place to
an officer is like the loss of his state to a prince. It is
said in the Book of Rites, ‘A prince ploughs himself,
and is assisted by the people, to supply the millet for
sacrifice. His wife keeps silkworms, and unwinds
their cocoons, to make the garments for sacrifice.’
If the victims be not perfect, the millet not pure,
and the dress not complete, he does not presume to
sacrifice. ‘And the scholar who, out of office, has no
holy field, in the same way, does not sacrifice. The
victims for slaughter, the vessels, and the garments,
not being all complete, he does not presume to
sacrifice, and then neither may he dare to feel
happy.’ Is there not here sufficient ground also for
condolence?”
Xiao again asked, “What was the meaning
of Confucius’s always carrying his proper gift of
introduction with him, when he passed over the
boundaries of the state where he had been?”
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