u[96] to do, twanging at my
door?

But when the disciples looked down on Tzu-lu, the Master said, Yu has
come up into hall, but he has not yet entered the inner rooms.

15. Tzu-kung asked, Which is the better, Shih[97] or Shang[98]?

The Master said, Shih goes too far, Shang not far enough.

Then is Shih the better? said Tzu-kung.

Too far, said the Master, is no nearer than not far enough.

16. The Chi was richer than the Duke of Chou; yet Ch'iu[99] became his
tax-gatherer and made him still richer.

[Footnote 95: Tzu-lu. This prophecy came true. Tzu-lu and Tzu-kao were
officers of Wei when troubles arose. Tzu-lu hastened to the help of
his master. He met Tzu-kao withdrawing from the danger, and was
advised to do the same. But Tzu-lu would not desert the man whose pay
he drew. He plunged into the fight and was killed.]

[Footnote 96: Tzu-lu.]

[Footnote 97: The disciple Tzu-chang.]

[Footnote 98: The disciple Tzu-hsia.]

[Footnote 99: The disciple Jan Yu.]

He is no disciple of mine, said the Master. My little children, ye may
beat your drums and make war on him.

17. Ch'ai[100] is simple, Shen[101] is dull, Shih[102] is smooth,
Yu[103] is coarse.

18. The Master said, Hui[104] is almost faultless, and he is often
empty. Tz'u[105] will not bow to the Bidding, and he heaps up riches;
but his views are often sound.

19. Tzu-chang asked, What is the way of a good man?

The Master said, He does not tread the beaten track; and yet he does
not enter the inner rooms.

20. The Master said, Commend a man for plain speaking: he may prove a
gentleman, or else but seeming honest.

21. Tzu-lu said, Shall I do all I am taught?

The Master said, Whilst thy father and elder brothers live, how canst
thou do all thou art taught?

Jan Yu asked, Shall I do all I am taught?

The Master said, Do all thou art taught.

Kung-hsi Hua said, Yu[106] asked, Shall I do all I am taught? and ye
said, Sir, Whilst thy father and elder brothers live. Ch'iu[107]
asked, Shall I do all I am taught? and ye said, Sir, Do all thou art
taught. I am in doubt, and dare to ask you, Sir.

[Footnote 100: The disciple Kao Ch'ai]

[Footnote 101: The disciple Tseng-tzu.]

[Footnote 102: The disciple Tzu-chang.]

[Footnote 103: The disciple Tzu-lu.]

[Footnote 104: The disciple Yen Yuean.]

[Footnote 105: The disciple Tzu-kung.]

[Footnote 106: Tzu-lu.]

[Footnote 107: Jan Yu.]

The Master said, Ch'iu is bashful, so I egged him