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

6. Yang Dze-kü{fr. 3} had gone South to Phei{fr. 4}, while Lâo Tan was travelling in the west in Khin{fr. 5}. (He thereupon) asked (Lao-dze) to come to the border (of Phei), and went himself to Liang, where be met him. Lâo-dze stood in the middle of the way, and, looking up to heaven, said with a sigh, 'At first I thought that you might be taught, but now I see that you cannot be.' Yang Dze-kü made no reply; {fn. 1. Compare Bk. II, par. 11.} {fn. 2. Such is the reading of Ziâo Hung.} {fn. 3. No doubt the Yang Kû of Lieh-dze and Mencius.} {fn. 4. See in XIV, 26 b.} {fn. 5. In the borders of Phei; can hardly be the great State.} {p. 148} and when they came to their lodging-house, he brought in water for the master to wash his hands and rinse his mouth, along with a towel and comb. He then took off his shoes outside the door, went forward on his knees, and said, 'Formerly, your disciple wished to ask you, Master, (the reason of what you said); but you were walking, and there was no opportunity, and therefore I did not presume to speak. Now there is an opportunity, and I beg to ask why you spoke as you did.' Lâo-dze replied, 'Your eyes are lofty, and you stare;--who would live with you? The purest carries himself as if he were soiled; the most virtuous seems to feel himself defective.' Yang Dze-kü looked abashed and changed countenance, saying, 'I receive your commands with reverence.'