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CHAPTER XXVI.
Contingencies.
Argument:—The external uncertain—The internal alone without harm—Life and death are external—The soul only is under man's control—Folly of worldliness—Illustrations.
CONTINGENCIES are uncertain. Hence the decapitation of Lung Fêng, the disembowelment of Pi Kan, the enthusiasm of Chi Tzŭ, the death of Wu Lai, the flights of Chieh and Chou.
- See pp. 40, 72. Wu Lai was an intriguing official who held office under the tyrant Chou Hsin.
No sovereign but would have loyal ministers; yet loyalty does not necessarily inspire confidence. Hence Wu Yüan found a grave in the river;
- See p. 221.
and Ch'ang Hung perished in Shu, his blood, after being preserved three years, turning into green jade.
No parent but would have filial sons; yet filial piety does not necessarily inspire love. Hence Hsiao Chi sorrrowed, and Tsêng Shên grieved.
- The first, prince of the House of Yin, was turned out of doors by his stepmother. The second, one of the disciples of Confucius and a rare pattern of filial
