Lun Yu Introduction Table of content – The Analects of Confucius


Lunyu XVII. 15. (462)

The case of mercenary officers, and how it is impossible to serve one's prince along with them.
1. The Master said, "There are those mean creatures! How impossible it is along with them to serve one's prince!
3. "When they are anxious lest such things should be lost, there is nothing to which they will not proceed."

Legge XVII.15.

The Master said, 'Is it really possible to work side by side with a mean fellow in the service of a lord? Before he gets what he wants, he worries lest he -should not get it. After he has got it, he worries lest he should lose it' and when that happens he will not stop at any- thing.'

Lau [17:15]

Le Maître dit : « Convient-il de faire admettre à la cour des hommes abjects, et de servir le prince avec eux ? Avant d'avoir obtenu les charges, ils sont en peine de les obtenir. Après les avoir obtenues, ils sont en peine de les conserver. Alors, ils ne reculent devant aucun crime pour ne pas les perdre. »

Couvreur XVII.15.

Lun Yu XVII. 15. (462) IntroductionTable of content
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