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26
THE TEXTS OF TÂOISM.
BK. XIX.
said was wrong, the wrong will certainly not be able to perplex the right. If what he said was wrong, and what you said was right, it was just because he was perplexed that he came to you. What was your fault in dealing with him as you did ?' Pien-zze said, 'Not so. Formerly a bird came, and took up its seat in the suburbs of Lai. The ruler of Lû was pleased with it, and provided an ox, a sheep, and a pig to feast it, causing also the Kid-shầo to be performed to delight it. But the bird began to be sad, looked dazed, and did not venture to eat or drink. This was what is called "Nourishing a bird, as you would nourish yourself." He who would nourish a bird as a bird should be nourished should let it perch in a deep forest, or let it float on a river or lake, or let it find its food naturally and undisturbed on the level dry ground. Now Hsið (came to me), a man of slender intelligence, and slight information, and I told him of the characteristics of the perfect man, it was like using a carriage and horses to convey a mouse, or trying to delight a quail with the music of bells and drums ;could the creatures help being frightened ?'
Compare par. 5, Bk. XVIII.
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