Chinese and Arabian Literature - E. Wilson - The Search For Mecca

THE ANALECTS 47
prince would make the offering,-^ and he (the Master) was the
pregustator.
When unwell, and the prince came to see him, he would
arrange his position so that his head inclined towards the east,
would put over him his Court robes, and draw his girdle across
them.
When summoned by order of the prince, he would start off
without waiting for his horses to be put to.
On his entry into the Grand Temple, he inquired about
everything connected with its usages.
If a friend died, and there were no near relatives to take him
to, he would say, " Let him be buried from my house."
For a friend's gift—unless it consisted of meat that had been
offered in sacrifice—he would not bow, even if it were a carriage
and horses.
In repose he did not lie like one dead. In his home life he
was not formal in his manner.
Whenever he met with a person in mourning, even though it
were a familiar acquaintance, he would be certain to change his
manner; and when he met with any one in full-dress cap, or
with any blind person, he would also unfailingly put on a differ-
ent look, even though he were himself in undress at the time.
In saluting any person wearing mourning he would bow forwards
towards the front bar of his carriage ; in the same man-
ner he would also salute the bearer of a census-register.
When a sumptuous banquet was spread before him, a differ-
ent expression would be sure to appear in his features, and he
would rise up from his seat.
At a sudden thunder-clap, or when the wind grew furious, his
look would also invariably be changed.
On getting into his car, he would never fail (first) to stand up
erect, holding on by the strap. When in the car, he would
never look about, nor speak hastily, nor bring one hand to the
other.
" Let one but make a movement in his face,
And the bird will rise and seek some safer place."
Apropos of this, he said, " Here is a hen-pheasant from Shan
Liang—and in season ! and in season ! " After Tsz-lu had got
it prepared, he smelt it thrice, and then rose up from his seat.
* The act of " grace," before eating.