University of Virginia Library

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194

4[1]

After Tzŭ-lu had been governing P`u for three years, Confucius
went to see him.[2] On entering the borders [of P`u] he approved,
saying, "Yu (= Tzŭ-lu) trusts those who are respectful (?)."
On entering the city he said, "Excellent! Yu is generous to the
loyal and trustworthy (?)." On arriving at the audience hall
he said, "Excellent! Yu is enlightened in his judgments."

Grasping the reins, Tzŭ-kung asked, "Master, you have not
yet seen Yu, and still have thrice praised his excellence. Might I
hear [your reasons]?"

Confucius said, "On entering the borders, [I saw that] the
grain fields and the hemp fields were very well attended to, and
that the fallow lands were well opened up.[3] This is the result of
trusting those who are respectful, so that the people put forth
all their strength. On entering the city [I saw that] walls and
dwellings were very high,[4] and that the trees were very flourishing.
This is the result of being generous to the loyal and trustworthy,
so that[5] the people are not lazy. On entering the audience hall
[I found that it] was very quiet.[6] This is the result of enlightened
judgments, so that the people do not make disturbances."

The Ode says,[7]