Master Ch`u-ch`iu[2]
came dressed in a grass raincoat and wearing
a rope for a belt to see Prince Mêng of Ch`ang. Prince Mêng of
Ch`ang said, "Sir, you are old; your years are advanced. You are
frequently forgetful. What have you to teach me?"[3]
Master Ch`u-ch`iu said, "How can Your Highness call me old?
How can Your Highness call me old? I suppose you are going to
have me throw a stone or leap far? Pursue a chariot or run after
a horse? Chase a deer or capture a panther or tiger? In that case
I would die on the spot; what time would I have for growing old?
Or are you going to have me make deep-laid plans and far-reaching
schemes? Settle doubts[4]
and decide uncertainties? Issue formal
pronouncements on meeting the feudal lords? In that case I am
just in my prime. How does age enter into the matter?"
Prince Mêng of Ch`ang blushed and the sweat poured off him to
his heels. He said, "I was wrong, I was wrong."
The Ode says,[5]
An old man, [I speak] with entire sincerity.
