CONFUCIAN ANALECTS

would offer a little of it in sacrifice with a grave, respectful air. If his mat was not straight, he did not sit on it. When the villagers were drinking together, upon those who carried staffs going out, he also went out immediately after. When the villagers were going through their ceremonies to drive away pestilential influences, he put on his court robes and stood on the eastern steps. When he was sending complimentary inquiries to any one in another state, he bowed twice as he escorted the messenger away. Chi K'ang having sent him a present of physic, he bowed and received it, saying, "I do not know it. I dare not taste it." The stable being burned down, when he was at court, on his return he said, "Has any man been hurt?" He did not ask about the horses. When the he would adjust his mat, first taste it, and then give it away to others. When the prince sent him a gift of undressed meat, he would have it cooked, and offer it to the spirits of his ancestors. When the prince sent him a gift of a living animal, he would keep it alive. When he was in attendance on the prince and joining in the entertainment, the prince only sacrificed. He first tasted everything. When he was ill and the prince came to visit him, he had his head to the east, made his court robes be spread over him, and drew his girdle across them. When the prince's order called him, without waiting for his carriage