He did not eat meat which was not cut properly, nor what was servedwithout its proper sauce. Though there might be a large quantity of meat, he would not allowwhat he took to exceed the due proportion for the rice. It was onlyin wine that he laid down no limit for himself, but he did not allowhimself to be confused by it. He did not partake of wine and dried meat bought in the market. He was never without ginger when he ate. He did not eat much. When he had been assisting at the prince's sacrifice, he did not keepthe flesh which he received overnight. The flesh of his family sacrificehe did not keep over three days. If kept over three days, people couldnot eat it. When eating, he did not converse. When in bed, he did not speak. Although his food might be coarse rice and vegetable soup, he wouldoffer a little of it in sacrifice with a grave, respectful air. If his mat was not straight, he did not sit on it. When the villagers were drinking together, upon those who carriedstaffs going out, he also went out immediately after. When the villagers were going through their ceremonies to drive awaypestilential influences, he put on his court robes and stood on theeastern steps. When he was sending complimentary inquiries to any one in anotherstate, he bowed twice as he escorted the messenger away. Chi K'ang having sent him a present of physic, he bowed and receivedit, saying, "I do not know it. I dare not taste it."The stable being burned down, when he was at court, on his returnhe said, "Has any man been hurt?" He did not ask about the horses. When the he would adjust his mat, first taste it, and then give itaway to others. When the prince sent him a gift of undressed meat,he would have it cooked, and offer it to the spirits of his ancestors. When the prince sent him a gift of a living animal, he would keepit alive. When he was in attendance on the prince and joining in the entertainment,the prince only sacrificed. He first tasted everything. When he was ill and the prince came to visit him, he had his headto the east, made his court robes be spread over him, and drew hisgirdle across them. When the prince's order called him, without waiting for his carriageto be yoked, he went at once. When he entered the ancestral temple of the state, he asked abouteverything. When any of his friends died, if he had no relations offices, he wouldsay, "I will bury him."When a friend sent him a present, though it might be a carriage andhorses, he did not bow. The only present for which he bowed was that of the flesh of sacrifice. In bed, he did not lie like a corpse. At home, he did not put on anyformal deportment. When he saw any one in a mourning dress, though it might be an acquaintance,he would change countenance; when he saw any one wearing the cap offull dress, or a blind person, though he might be in his undress,he would salute him in a ceremonious manner. To any person in mourning he bowed forward to the crossbar of hiscarriage; he bowed in the same way to any one bearing the tables ofpopulation. When he was at an entertainment where there was an abundance of provisionsset before him, he would change countenance and rise up. On a sudden clap of thunder, or a violent wind, he would change countenance. When he was about to mount his carriage, he would stand straight,holding the cord. When he was in the carriage, he did not turn his head quite round,he did not talk hastily, he did not point with his hands. Seeing the countenance, it instantly rises. It flies round, and byand by settles. The Master said, "There is the hen-pheasant on the hill bridge. Atits season! At its season!" Tsze-lu made a motion to it. Thrice itsmelt him and then rose.
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