never taken out those horses (for such a purpose); is it not excessive to do so for a man with whom you (merely) lodged?" The Master said, "I entered a little ago, and wailed for him; and I found (the mourner) so dissolved in grief that my tears flowed (with his). I should hate it, if those tears were not (properly) followed. Do it, my child[1]."
17. When Confucius was in Wei, there was (a son) following his (father's) coffin to the grave. After Confucius had looked at him, he said, "How admirably did he manage this mourning rite! He is fit to be a pattern. Remember it, my little children." Зze-kung said, "What did you, Master, see in him so admirable?" "He went," was the reply, "as if he were full of eager affection. He came back (looking) as if he were in doubt" "Would it not have been better, if he had come back hastily, to present the offering of repose?" The Master said, "Remember it, my children. I have not been able to attain to it."
18. At the mourning rites for Yen Yuan, some of the flesh of the sacrifice at the end of (? two) years was sent to Confucius, who went out and received it. On re-entering he played on his lute, and afterwards ate it[2].
19. Confucius was standing (once) with his
- ↑ We are willing to believe this paragraph, because it shows how the depths of Confucius' sympathy could be stirred in him. He was not in general easily moved.
- ↑ This paragraph has occasioned a good deal of discussion. The text does not make it clear whether the sacrifice was that at the end of one, or that at the end of two years. Why did Confucius play on his lute? and was he right in doing so?
