Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 27.djvu/398



1. Formerly Kung-nî was present as one of the guests at the Kâ sacrifice ; and when it was over, he went out and walked backwards and forwards on the terrace over the gate of Proclamations, looking sad and sighing. What made him sigh was the state of Lû. Yen Yen was by his side, and said to him, "Master, what are you sighing about?" Confucius replied, "I never saw the practice of the Grand course, and the eminent men of the three dynasties ; but I have my object (in harmony with theirs).

2. When the Grand course was pursued, a public and common spirit ruled all under the sky; they