The Master was cheery. "One like Tsz-lu there," said he, "does
not come to a natural end."
Some persons in Lu were taking measures in regard to the Long Treasury
House. Min Tsz-k'ien observed, "How if it were repaired on the old
lines?" The Master upon this remarked, "This fellow is not a talker, but
when he does speak he is bound to hit the mark!"
"There is Yu's harpsichord," exclaimed the Master--"what is it doing at
my door?" On seeing, however, some disrespect shown to him by the other
disciples, he added, "Yu has got as far as the top of the hall; only he
has not yet entered the house."
Tsz-kung asked which was the worthier of the two--Tsz-chang or Tsz-hia.
"The former," answered the Master, "goes beyond the mark; the latter
falls short of it."
"So then Tsz-chang is the better of the two, is he?" said he.
"To go too far," he replied, "is about the same as to fall short."
The Chief of the Ki family was a wealthier man than the Duke of Chow had
been, and yet Yen Yu gathered and hoarded for him, increasing his wealth
more and more.
"He is no follower of mine," said the Master. "It would serve him right,
my children, to sound the drum, and set upon him."
Characteristics of four disciples:--Tsz-kau was simple-minded; Tsang Si,
a dullard; Tsz-chang, full of airs; Tsz-lu, rough.
"As to Hwui," said the Master, "he comes near to perfection, while
frequently in great want.
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