Leaving Qi and Accepting a Salary

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius left Qi. Yin Shi said to people: 'If he did not know that the king could not become a Tang or Wu, then he was unwise; if he knew it was impossible and still came, then he was seeking favor. He came a thousand li to see the king; not finding acceptance, he left; he stayed three nights before leaving Zhou. Why such delay? I, Shi, am not pleased with this.'

Original Chinese text

English translation

Gaozi reported it to Mencius.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said: 'How could Yin Shi understand me? To go a thousand li to see the king was what I desired. Not to meet with acceptance and therefore to leave—was that what I desired? I could not help it. I stayed three nights before leaving Zhou, and in my heart I still thought it was too quick. The king might perhaps change! If the king changed it, he would surely recall me. When I left Zhou and the king did not pursue me, only then did I resolutely have the intention to return home. Even so, could I abandon the king? The king is still capable of doing good; if the king employed me, would only the people of Qi be at peace? All the people of the world would be at peace. The king might perhaps change! I hoped for it every day. How could I be like such a petty man? When he remonstrates with his ruler and is not accepted, he becomes angry, shows a resentful look on his face, and when he leaves he exhausts the strength of the whole day before he stops for the night.'

Original Chinese text

English translation

Yin Shi heard this and said: 'I, Shi, am truly a petty man.'

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