Chinese Literature

12

A great statesman of Confucius's time.

13

A familiar way of speaking of his disciples in their hearing.

14

At this time Confucius was Criminal Judge in his native State of Lu. Yuen Sz had been a disciple. The commentators add that this was the officer's proper salary, and that he did wrong to refuse it.

15

The doctrine afterwards known by that name, and which gave its title to a Confucian treatise.

16

In reference to his editing the six Classics of his time.

17

This was one of his "beloved ancients," famous for what he did in helping to found the dynasty of Chow, a man of great political wisdom, a scholar also, and poet. It was the "dream" of Confucius's life to restore the country to the condition in which the Duke of Chow left it.

18

These were six in number, viz.Ceremonial, Music,

Archery, Horsemanship, Language, and Calculation.

19

Lit., three forces. Each force consisted of 12,500 men, and three of such forces were the equipment of a greater State.

20

Comparison of three of the Classicsthe "Shi-King," the

"Li Ki," and the "Yoh." The last is lost.

21

"Wan" was the honorary appellation of the great sage and ruler, whose praise is in the "Shi-King" as one of the founders of the Chow dynasty, and the term represented civic talent and virtues, as distinct from Wu, the martial talent—the latter being the honorary title of his son and successor. "Wan" also often stands for literature and polite accomplishments. Here Confucius simply means, "If you kill me, you kill a sage."

22

Because, it is said, such colors were adopted in fasting and mourning.

23

Because they did not belong to the five correct colors (viz. green, yellow, carnation, white, and black), and were affected more by females.

24

Since white was, as it is still, the mourning color.

25

The act of "grace," before eating.

26

The men of virtuous life were Yen Yuen (Hwúi), Min Tsz-k'ien, Yen Pihniu, and Chung-kung (Yen Yung); the speakers and debaters were Tsai Wo and Tsz-kung; the (capable) government servants were Yen Yu and Tsz-lu; the literary students, Tsz-yu and Tsz-hiá.

27

Lit., capped ones. At twenty they underwent the ceremony of capping, and were considered men.

28

I.e., before the altars, where offerings were placed with prayer for rain. A religious dance.

29

From Confucius, it is generally thought.

30

Confucius had now retired from office, and this incident occurred only two years before his death.