Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 27.djvu/205

 with your gift of a robe)." The men of Lû (who were with him) said, "The thing is contrary to propriety." They of Khû, however, obliged him to do what they asked; and he first employed a sorcerer with his reed-brush to brush (and purify) the bier. The people of King then regretted what they had done.

26. At the mourning rites for duke Khăng of Thǎng, Зze-shû King-shû was sent (from Lû) on a mission of condolence, and to present a letter (from duke Âi), 𝖅ze-fû Hui-po being assistant-commissioner. When they arrived at the suburbs (of the capital of Thǎng), because it was the anniversary of the death of Î-po, (Hui-po's uncle), King-shû hesitated to enter the city. Hui-po, however, said, "We are on government business, and should not for the private affair of my uncle's (death) neglect the duke's affairs." They forthwith entered.

1. Duke Âi sent a message of condolence to Khwâi Shang, and the messenger met him (on the way to the grave). They withdrew to the way-side, where Khwâi drew the figure of his house, (with the coffin in it), and there received the condolences.

𝖅ǎng-𝖟ze said, "Khwâi Shang's knowledge of the