Borrowing the blue color of the indigo plant, a [dyed] thread
is bluer than indigo.[2]
Borrowing the yellow color of earth, a [dyed]
thread is yellower than earth. If even the blue of indigo and the
yellow of earth can be borrowed, cannot the substance of jên
and i certainly be borrowed?
In the Eastern Sea there are fish called the tieh,[3]
which go about
sharing their [single] eyes. Unless they are two together, they
cannot get anywhere. In the north there are animals called lou,
one of which eats while the other keeps watch.[4]
Unless they are
two together, they cannot eat their fill. In the south there are
birds called chien, which fly by combining their [single] wings.
Unless they are two together they cannot get up [off the ground].
In the west[5]
there are animals called chüeh, whose front legs are
those of a rat and whose hind legs are those of a rabbit. When it
gets sweet grass, it always takes it in its mouth and gives it to
the ch`ung-ch`ung-chü-hsü;[6]
not that by instinct it loves the
ch`ung-ch`ung-chü-hsü, but that it may avail itself of its legs.[7]
Now if even birds, beasts, and fishes depend on one another,[8]
how much the more lamentable that the ruler of [a state of] ten
thousand chariots
[9]
should be the only one not to know enough to
avail himself of the company
[10]
of the empire's heroes and worthies
and associate himself with them. Truly it is said, clarity supported
by clarity will rise up to Heaven; obscurity supported by
clarity will attract the right men; but it is pure luck if two blind
men supporting each other do not injure [themselves against]
a wall or a tree, or fall into a well or a hole. The Ode says,
[11]
There is a man unobservant of the right,
Whose goings[12]
will be according to his inward[13]
filthiness.
This [speaks of]
[14]
going in obscurity.