Sacred Books of the East Vol. 40 - Taoism Vol. 2

6. The ideas of rank and emolument did not enter the mind of Pâi-lî Hsî{fr. 1}, and so he became a cattle-feeder, and his cattle were all in fine condition. This made duke Mû of Khin forget the meanness of his position, and put the government (of his state) into his hands. Neither life nor death entered into the mind of (Shun), the Lord of Yü, and therefore he was able to influence others{fr. 2}. 7. The ruler Yüan{fr. 3} of Sung wishing to have a map {fn. 1. Pâi-lî Hsî, a remarkable character of the seventh century B.C., who rose to be chief minister to Mû, the earl (or duke) of Khin, the last of the five Leading Princes of the kingdom. Mû died in B.C. 621. Mencius has much to say of Pâi-lî Hsî.} {fn. 2. Shun's parents wished to kill him; but that did not trouble his mind; his filial piety even affected them.} {fn. 3. His first year as duke of Sung was B.C. 530. The point of the story is not clear.} {p. 51} drawn, the masters of the pencil all came (to undertake the task). Having received his instructions and made their bows, they stood, licking their pencils and preparing their ink. Half their number, however, remained outside. There was one who came late, with an air of indifference, and did not hurry forward. When he had received his instructions and made his bow, he did not keep standing, but proceeded to his shed. The duke sent a man to see him, and there he was, with his upper garment off, sitting cross-legged, and nearly naked. The ruler said, 'He is the man; he is a true draughtsman.'