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PT. II. SECT. III.
THE WRITINGS OF KWANG-SZE.
281
BOOK X.
Part II. Section III. Khü Khieh, or 'Cutting open Satchels?.' 1. In taking precautions against thieves who cut open satchels, search bags, and break open boxes, people are sure to cord and fasten them well, and to employ strong bonds and clasps; and in this they are ordinarily said to show their wisdom. When a great thief comes, however, he shoulders the box, lifts up the satchel, carries off the bag, and runs away with them, afraid only that the cords, bonds, and clasps may not be secure; and in this case what was called the wisdom (of the owners) proves to be nothing but a collecting of the things for the great thief. Let me try and set this matter forth. Do not those who are vulgarly called wise prove to be collectors for the great thieves ? And do not those who are called sages prove to be but guardians in the interest of the great thieves ?
How do I know that the case is so ? Formerly, in the state of Khỉ, the neighbouring towns could see one another; their cocks and dogs never ceased to answer the crowing and barking of other cocks and dogs (between them). The nets were set (in the water and on the land); and the ploughs and hoes were employed over more than a space of two thousand 11 square. All within its four boundaries, the
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1 See pp. 141, 142.
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