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According to tradition, Confucius said, "How admirable was
Yen Wu-fu's charioteering! The horse knew that behind there
was a chariot and thought nothing of it; he knew that there was a
man in it, and him he loved. He was attracted by his uprightness
and loved being employed by him. If the horse could speak, he
would certainly have said, `What a pleasure today's gallop is!'
"When we come to Yen Lun there has been a slight decline.
The horse knew that behind there was a chariot and thought
nothing of it; he knew that there was a man in it and him he
respected. The horse was attracted by his uprightness and
accepted respectfully being employed by him. If the horse could
speak, he would certainly have said, `Going and coming, may
this man make use of me.'
"When we come to Yen I the decline is complete. The horse
knew that behind there was a chariot and thought it heavy; he
knew that there was a man in it and him he feared. The horse
was attracted by his uprightness but feared being employed by
him. If the horse could speak, he certainly would have said, `Go
and come, go and come: if you do not go, that man will kill you.'
"Thus in driving horses there is method, and in governing
people there is a right way. If the method is attained to, then the
horse is contented and happy; if the right way is attained to,
then the people are peaceful and tranquil."
The Ode says,[1]
The reins are in his grasp like ribbons,
While the two outside horses move like dancers.
This is illustrated in the above.
