their company? Before they have got
what they wanted they are all anxiety to get it, and after they have
got it they are all anxiety lest they should lose it; and while they
are thus full of concern lest they should lose it, there is no length
to which they will not go."

Again, "In olden times people had three moral infirmities; which, it
may be, are now unknown. Ambitiousness in those olden days showed
itself in momentary outburst; the ambitiousness of to-day runs riot.
Austerity in those days had its sharp angles; in these it is irritable
and perverse. Feebleness of intellect then was at least
straightforward; in our day it is never aught but deceitful."

Again, "Rarely do we find mutual good feeling where there is fine
speech and studied mien."

Again, "To me it is abhorrent that purple color should be made to
detract from that of vermilion. Also that the Odes of Ch[']ing should
be allowed to introduce discord in connection with the music of the
Festal Songs and Hymns. Also that sharp-whetted tongues should be
permitted to subvert governments."

Once said he, "Would that I could dispense with speech!"

"Sir," said Tsz-kung, "if you were never to speak, what should your
pupils have to hand down from you?"

"Does Heaven ever speak?" said the Master. "The four seasons come and
go, and all creatures live and grow. Does Heaven indeed speak?"

Once Ju Pi desired an interview with Confucius, from which the latter
excused himself on the score of ill-health; but while the attendant
was passing out through the doorway with the message he took his lute
and sang, in such a way as to let him hear him.

Tsai Wo questioned him respecting the three years' mourning, saying
that one full twelve-month was a long time--that, if gentlemen were
for three years to cease from observing rules of propriety, propriety
must certainly suffer, and that if for three years they neglected
music, music must certainly die out--and that seeing nature has taught
us that when the old year's grain is finished the new has sprung up
for us--seeing also that all the changes[32] in procuring fire by
friction have been gone through in the four seasons--surely a
twelve-month might suffice.

The Master asked him, "Would it be a satisfaction to you--that
returning to better food, that putting on of fine clothes?"

"It would," said he.

"Then if you can be satisfied in so doing, do so. But to a gentleman,
who is in mourning for a parent, the choice