Yi and Feng Meng

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Feng Meng learned archery from Yi and mastered Yi’s entire art. Thinking that Yi alone in the world surpassed him, he then killed Yi. Mencius said, “Yi too bears some blame in this.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Gongming Yi asked, “It would seem Yi was not at fault, would it not?” Mencius replied, “His fault was slight, that is all. How could he be entirely without blame?”

Original Chinese text

English translation

The people of Zheng sent Zizhuo Ruzi to invade Wei, and Wei sent Yu Gongzhisi after him. Zizhuo Ruzi said, “My illness has struck today; I cannot hold a bow. I am surely going to die!” He asked his driver, “Who is pursuing me?” The driver said, “Yu Gongzhisi.” He replied, “Then I shall live.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

The driver asked, “Yu Gongzhisi is Wei’s finest archer. Why do you say, ‘I shall live’?” Zizhuo Ruzi replied, “Yu Gongzhisi learned archery from Yin Gong Zhituo, and Yin Gong Zhituo learned it from me. Yin Gong Zhituo is an upright man; the friends he chooses must also be upright.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

When Yu Gongzhisi caught up, he asked, “Sir, why are you not holding your bow?” Zizhuo Ruzi said, “My illness has struck today; I cannot hold it.” Yu Gongzhisi said, “I learned archery from Yin Gong Zhituo, who learned it from you. I cannot bear to use the art you taught against you. Even so, today’s task is a matter of serving my ruler, and I dare not abandon it.” He drew arrows and struck them against the wheel, removed their metal points, shot four arrows, and then returned.

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