Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 433

1842

Sketch of the Life of Confugins

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tercept him. They surrounded him in the wilderness and would have starved him to death, had not his friend come to his relief after a detention of seven days. After this narrow escape, he returned home, and the prince of Lú gave him a carriage, two horses and a servant, with which he set off for the capital Kingyang (now in Kánsu pro- vince), where the dynasty of Chau had their sway. Here he passed his time in observing the forms of government, the condition of the people and their manners, and how the rites and ceremonies of the ancient kings were regarded. He held several interviews with the ministers of the court, was permitted to visit the emperor's ancestral hall, and other sacred places, and had access to the archives of the kingdom from which he was allowed to take extracts.

Another object in his visit to the capital was to see Láutsz', the founder of the Táu sect or Rationalists, who lived in a retired place some distance from court. This old philosopher, accustomed to visits from inen of all ranks received Confucius and his disciples with in- difference. He was reclining on an elevated platform, and hearing that h. visitor had come to hear from his own mouth an exposition of his tenets, and to ask him about propriety, he roused himself to receive him. "I have heard speak of you," says he, "and I know your reputation. I am told that you speak only of the ancients, and discourse only upon what they taught. Now, of what use is it to endeavor to revive the memory of men of whom no trace remains ou the earth? The sage ought to interest himself with the times ir which he lives, and regard present circumstances; if they are favor- able, he will improve them; but if on the contrary they are unfavor· able, he will retire and wait tranquilly, without grieving at what others do. He who possesses a treasure will try to have every body know it; he will preserve it against 'e day of need: this you will do if

you are sage. It seems, juding by your conduct, that you have some ostentation in your plans of instruction, and that you are proud. Correct thesc faults, and purify your heart from all love of pleasure; you

will in this way, be much more useful than seeking to know what the ancients said."

Láutsz' also observed, "A discreet merchant keeps his affairs to himself as if he knew nothing; an excellent man although highly in- telligent demeans himself like an ignorant inan." Confucius, remark- ed to his disciples, "I have seen Lántsz'; have I not seen something like a dragon?" On leaving him, Lantsz' at parting said, "I have heard that the rich dismiss then friends with a present, and the bene. volent send away people with a word of advice whoever is talented