Book II 4

1 The Master said, ‘At fifteen, I had my mind bent on learning.

2 ‘At thirty, I stood firm.

3 ‘At forty, I had no doubts.

4 ‘At fifty, I knew the decrees of Heaven.

5 ‘At sixty, my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth.

6 ‘At seventy, I could follow what my heart desired, without transgressing what was right.’