King Chuang of Ch`u sent a messanger to visit Master Pei-kuo[2]
and present him with a hundred chin[3]
of gold. Master [Pei-kuo]
said, "I have a dustpan-and-broom servant, and I would like to go
in and consult with her." To his wife he said, "Ch`u wants me for
its minister. Should I be minister today, immediately I will have
horses harnessed four abreast and a mounted escort,[4]
and food
spread before me over ten cubits square.[5]
How about it?"
His wife said, "You, Master, gain your living by weaving straw
sandals. You eat gruel and have a small income[6]
(?), but you are
without apprehensive worry. How is this if not from having
nothing to do with affairs? Now though you have horses harnessed
four abreast and a mounted escort,[7]
still the place you occupy is
only [the room] taken up by your knees; and though you may
have food spread out before you over ten cubits square, the only
dish you would enjoy especially would be meat.[8]
For the comfort
of room for your knees and the flavor of a meat dish is it right to
take on the worries of the state of Ch`u regardless of your own
safety?"
As a result he did not reply to the offer, but went away with his
wife. The Ode says,[9]
That beautiful, virtuous lady
Can respond to you in conversation.
