Gems of Chinese Literature/Ssŭ-ma Ch‘ien-On Chang Liang

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Gems of Chinese Literature
translated by Herbert Allen Giles

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SSŬ-MA CH'IEN

1st and 2nd CENTURIES b.c.

[Author of the first general History of China. The work begins with the reign of Huang Ti, the Yellow Emperor (2697 b.c.), and closes with the year 104 b.c., at about the period described in the subjoined extract. As a youth, Ssŭ-ma Ch'ien had travelled widely throughout the empire. He finally settled down as Grand Astrologer; but his spirited defence of Li Ling (q.v.) when overthrown and captured by the Huns, brought down upon him the wrath of the Emperor. He was subjected to the punishment of mutilation, and ended his days in disgrace. He reformed the calendar, and determined the chronology which still obtains in China.]

A CENTURY BEFORE CHRIST.

1523664Gems of Chinese Literature — On Chang LiangHerbert Allen GilesSsŭ-ma Ch‘ien

Educated people mostly deny the existence of a spiritual world. Yet they will concede supernatural attributes to things; as for instance in the story of Chang Liang's rencontre with the old man who gave him that wonderful book.^[1]

Now, that the founder of the Han dynasty should find himself involved in difficulties was a mere matter of destiny. But that Chang Liang should so often come to his aid,―there we detect the hand of God.

His Majesty said, “In concocting stratagems in the tent for winning battles a thousand miles away, I cannot compare with Chang Liang.” And I too had always entertained great respect for the genius of this remarkable man. But when I saw his portrait, lo and behold! his features were those of a woman. However, according to Confucius, “If we always chose men for their looks, we should have lost Tzŭ-yü.”^[2] And the same is true of Chang Liang.

↑ Chang Liang was the friend and adviser whose counsels contributed so much to the success of Kao Ti (q.v.), founder of the House of Han. Having had occasion, in his youth, to oblige an old man by picking up his sandal for him, the latter is said to have presented him with a book from which he drew the wisdom that distinguished him so much in after life.
↑ A disciple, chiefly remarkable for great ugliness combined with lofty mental characteristics.

[1] Chang Liang was the friend and adviser whose counsels contributed so much to the success of Kao Ti (q.v.), founder of the House of Han. Having had occasion, in his youth, to oblige an old man by picking up his sandal for him, the latter is said to have presented him with a book from which he drew the wisdom that distinguished him so much in after life.

[2] A disciple, chiefly remarkable for great ugliness combined with lofty mental characteristics.

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