Gems of Chinese Literature/Wang Su-Temperance

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Jade
Gems of Chinese Literature (1922)
translated by Herbert Allen Giles
Temperance by Wang Su
Enter not into Temptation
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WANG SU.

Died a.d. 256.

[A very distinguished scholar who wrote and published many volumes of classical commentaries. He is said to have found, in the house of a descendant of the Sage, the text of "The Family Sayings of Confucius," and to have published it in a.d. 240; but the generally received opinion is that he wrote the work himself, based no doubt upon tradition. Specimens are given below.]

Wang Su1523808Gems of Chinese Literature — Temperance1922Herbert Allen Giles
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Confucius noticed in the ancestral temple of Duke Huan[1] of the Lu State certain vessels which stood awry, and enquired of the verger what these vessels were; to which the verger replied that ​they were goblets for use at banquets. "I have been told," said Confucius, "that when these goblets are empty they stand awry, that when they are half full they stand up straight, and that when filled up they topple right over. A wise ruler would use them as a warning, and see that such were always placed alongside of his guests." Then turning to his disciples, the Sage said, "Let us try them with water;" and accordingly water was poured in until the goblets were half full, when they stood up straight. They were then filled up, and at once toppled over. "Alas!" cried Confucius, heaving a deep sigh, "there are men who are full of wickedness, but they do not topple over."

  1. ↑ Reigned 684-642 b.c. A great and wise ruler, who late in life gave way to sensuality, and whose corpse lay unburied while his sons fought for the throne.
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