Yen-ling Chi-tzŭ of Wu was out walking in Ch`i. Seeing some
money that had been lost [by someone] he called a shepherd to
pick it up. The shepherd said, "How is it that[2]
you occupy a high
position but keep your glance down? Your appearance is noble,
but your words are vulgar. If I have a prince who does not act
like a prince and friends who do not act like friends, it is like
wearing winter furs in the heat of summer. Do you suspect me of
being the sort of person who picks up money?"
Yen-ling-tzŭ realized that he was a sage and politely asked his
name. The shepherd said, "You certainly are a superficial fellow.
You are not good enough for me to tell you my name." Wherewith
he went off. Yen-ling Chi-tzŭ stood up and kept looking after him
until he was out of sight.
Confucius said,[3]
"Look not at what is contrary to li; listen
not to what is contrary to li."
