Three Nights Before Leaving Zhou

Contents

Text

English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius left Qi and stayed overnight at Zhou. Someone who wished to detain him on behalf of the king sat down and spoke. Mencius did not respond; he leaned on a low table and lay down.

Original Chinese text

English translation

A guest, displeased, said: 'I fasted and lodged in purity before I dared to speak; but you, Master, lay down and would not listen. Please let me not venture to see you again.'

Original Chinese text

English translation

He said, “Sit down. I will tell you plainly. In the past, Duke Mu of Lu could not put Zisi at ease without placing attendants by his side; likewise, Xie Liu and Shen Xiang could not feel secure without attendants near Duke Mu. You say you are considering the needs of an elder, yet your care falls short of the way Duke Mu retained Zisi. Which of us has broken with the other—you with the elder, or the elder with you?”

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