Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 68.djvu/114

110 about in the subject-matter of the examinations by these decrees of 1901, let us compare briefly some of the questions and topics of the old regime with some of the most recent ones, viz., those of 1903, which are the last to be given under the passing system. To make our survey representative, we shall in the case of the recent examinations consider those held in Chihli as the province containing the capital of the realm, in Shangtung as the province where Confucius and Mencius lived and taught, in Kiangsu as the province of greatest literary



fame, and in Canton as the province deemed most conservative in literary affairs.

1828. From the 'Four Books.' To serve as topics of essays.

To possess ability, and yet ask of those who do not; to know much, and yet inquire of those who know less; to possess, and yet to appear not to possess; to be full, and yet appear empty.

He took hold of things by the two extremes, and in his treatment of the people maintained the golden mean.

A man from his youth studies right principles, and when he arrives at manhood, he wishes to reduce them to practise.