Page 245 - 《孟子》（二）中·英对照版

离
娄
上

who, having failed to keep themselves, were able
notwithstanding to serve their parents. There are
many services, but the service of parents is the root
of all others. There are many charges, but the charge
of one’s self is the root of all others. The philosopher
Zeng, in nourishing Zeng Xi, was always sure to
have wine and flesh provided. And when they were
being removed, he would ask respectfully to whom
he should give what was left. If his father asked
whether there was anything left, he was sure to say,
‘There is.’ After the death of Zeng Xi, when Zeng
Yuan came to nourish Zengzi, he was always sure to
have wine and flesh provided. But when the things
were being removed, he did not ask to whom he
should give what was left, and if his father asked
whether there was anything left, he would answer
‘No,’ —intending to bring them in again. This was
what is called— ‘nourishing the mouth and body.’
We may call Zengzi’s practice— ‘nourishing the

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