Book V 25

1 Yen Yuan and Chi Lu being by his side, the Master said to them, ‘Come, let each of you tell his wishes.’

2 Tsze-lu said, ‘I should like, having chariots and horses, and light fur dresses, to share them with my friends, and though they should spoil them, I would not be displeased.’

3 Yen Yuan said, ‘I should like not to boast of my excellence, nor to make a display of my meritorious deeds.’

4 Tsze-lu then said, ‘I should like, sir, to hear your wishes.’ The Master said, ‘They are, in regard to the aged, to give them rest; in regard to friends, to show them sincerity; in regard to the young, to treat them tenderly.’