413
CHAPTER XXXI.
The Old Fisherman.
[Spurious.]
CONFUCIUS, travelling in the Black Forest, rested awhile at Apricot Altar. His disciples sat down to their books, and he himself played upon the lute and sang.
Half way through the song, an old fisherman stepped out of a boat and advanced towards them. His beard and eyebrows were snowy white. His hair hung loose, and he flapped his long sleeves as he walked over the foreshore. Reaching firm ground, he stood still, and with left hand on his knee and right hand to his ear, listened.
When the song was finished, he beckoned to Tzŭ Kung and Tzŭ Lu, both of whom went to him. Then pointing with his finger, he enquired, saying, "What is that man doing here?"
"He is the Sage of Lu," replied Tzŭ Lu.
"Of what clan?" asked the old man.
"Of the K'ung family," replied Tzŭ Lu.
"And what is his occupation?" said the old man.
"He devotes himself," replied Tzŭ Lu, "to
