Of old T`ien Tzŭ-fang went out and saw an old horse on the
road. Sighing compassionately, he fixed his attention [on the
horse] and asked the driver, "What horse is this?"
"It was formerly kept by the ducal house. It was worn out
and of no use, so they turned it out."
T`ien Tzŭ-fang said, "To use up its strength when it was young,
and cast it out[2]
when old is not what the humane (jên) man
would do." He bought [the horse] with rolls of silk. When gentlemen
in extremity heard of this they knew whom to give up their
hearts to.
The Ode says,[3]
T`ang was not born too late,
And his wisdom and virtue daily advanced.
