Three Nights Before Leaving Zhou
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
孟子去齐,宿于昼。有欲为王留行者,坐而言。不应,隐几而卧。
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
客不悦曰:「弟子齐宿而后敢言;夫子卧而不听;请勿复敢见矣。」
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
曰:「坐。我明语子:昔者鲁缪公无人乎子思之侧,则不能安子思;泄柳、申详无人乎缪公之侧,则不能安其身。子为长者虑,而不及子思。子绝长者乎?长者绝子乎?」
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?”