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

{fn. 1. The {img 07800} in the former of these sentences is difficult. I take it in the sense of {img 07800}, and read it phî.} {fn. 2. Compare the Shih, II, v, Ode 2, 3.} {fn. 3. I believe the fowls of Shan-tung are still larger than those of Kih-kiang or Fû-kien.} {fn. 4. A good instance of Lao's metaphorical style.} {p. 79} question, and in consequence I have lost what I wished to ask you.' 'What do you mean?' If I have not wisdom, men say that I am stupid{fr. 1}, while if I have it, it occasions distress to myself. If I have not benevolence, then (I am charged) with doing hurt to others, while if I have it, I distress myself. If I have not righteousness, I (am charged with) injuring others, while if I have it, I distress myself. How can I escape from these dilemmas? These are the three perplexities that trouble me; and I wish at the suggestion of Khû to ask you about them.' Lao-dze replied, 'A little time ago, when I saw you and looked right into your eyes{fr. 2}, I understood you, and now your words confirm the judgment which I formed. You look frightened and amazed. You have lost your parents, and are trying with a pole to find them at the (bottom of) the sea. You have gone astray; you are at your wit's end. You wish to recover your proper nature, and you know not what step to take first to find it. You are to be pitied!' 5. Nan-yung Khû asked to be allowed to enter (the establishment), and have an apartment assigned to him{fr. 3}. (There) he sought to realise the qualities which he loved, and put away those which he hated. For ten days he afflicted himself, and then waited again on Lâo-dze, who said to him, 'You must purify yourself thoroughly! But from your symptoms of