After Ts`ui Chu had assassinated Duke Chuang,[2]
he ordered[3]
the nobles and Great Officers to make a covenant with him. The
covenanters all had laid aside their swords before entering. Those
who did not speak quickly or who did not touch the blood with
their fingers were put to death.[4]
Over ten men had been killed when it came to Yen-tzŭ's turn.
He raised up the cup of blood, and, facing Heaven, said with a
sign, "Alas! that Ts`ui Chu has been so unrighteous as to slay
his prince!" Whereupon the covenanters all looked at him.[5]
Ts`ui Chu said to Yen-tzŭ, "If you help me, I will share the
state with you. If you do not help me, I will kill you: A straight
sword will pierce you, and a curved one will hook you. I hope
you will think about it."
Yen-tzŭ said, "I have heard[6]
that he who, being deterred by
profit, is unfaithful to his prince lacks jên, and he who permits
himself to be forced by weapons to abandon his determination
lacks courage. The Ode says,[7]
Luxuriant are the dolichos and other creepers,
Clinging[8]
to the branches and stems;
Easy and self-possessed is the superior man,
Seeking for happiness by no crooked ways.
Can I be crooked, then? Straight swords may pierce me and
curved ones may hook me, but I will not change."
Ts`ui Chu said, "Let Yen-tzŭ go."
Yen-tzŭ got up and went out. Taking the traces of the carriage
harness, he mounted the chariot. His servant wanted to drive
fast, but Yen-tzŭ clapped his hands and said, "The deer in the
mountain forest—his fate is in the kitchen. Our fates are dependent
on something, but how on hasty driving?" He proceeded
peacefully, with calm demeanor, and so left. The Ode says,[9]
His lamb's fur is glossy,
Truly smooth and beautiful.
That gentleman
Rests in his lot and will not change.
Yen-tzŭ is an example of this.
