Duke Huan of Ch`i set up torches in the courtyard[2]
for the
sake of gentlemen who might want to come to see him.[3]
For a full
year no one came. Then [a rustic] from the eastern fields[4]
came
to see him because of his skill in arithmetic. Duke Huan joked
with him, saying, "Is arithmetic sufficient [reason] for an interview?"
The villager said, "[I had not thought arithmetic to be sufficient
reason for an interview.][5]
I had heard that Your Highness set
up torches in his courtyard so as to await gentlemen, and that for
a full year not one came. Now the reason that no gentlemen came
was that Your Highness is the sage ruler in the empire, and everywhere
gentlemen feel they are not adequate to Your Highness.
Therefore they do not come. Now arithmetic is but a wretched
accomplishment, yet if Your Highness treats me with courtesy,
how much the more could those with worthier accomplishments
than arithmetic expect! Now Mt. T`ai does not decline pebbles
and stones, nor do rivers and oceans refuse small streams—thus
have they accomplished their magnitude. The Ode says,
[6]
The ancients had a saying:
Consult the grass and firewood gatherers.
It [speaks of]
[7]
a great plan."
Duke Huan approved, and the man was accordingly[8]
entertained
formally for a full month. From all over gentlemen came
leading one another to him. The Ode says,[9]
From the hall they go to the base of the gate house,
And from the sheep to[10]
the oxen.
[It speaks of proceeding from the inside to the outside and of]
[11]
achieving great things from small ones.
