Page:The sayings of Confucius; a new translation of the greater part of the Confucian analects (IA sayingsofconfuci00confiala).pdf/120

 come his way, but it is only the baser type of man who under it grows demoralised and reckless.

Mien, a blind musician, having called on Confucius, the Master said to him when he came to a flight of steps: "Here are the steps"; and when he came to the mat which was spread for him: "Here is your mat." When all the visitors were seated, the Master told him who they were, saying: So-and-so is sitting here, so-and-so is sitting there. After Mien had gone, Tzǔ Chang asked, saying: Is it the proper thing to speak thus to a musician?—The Master replied: Assuredly it is right to give this help to a blind man.

The people of Ch'i sent a band of singing-girls as a present to the Duke of Lu, and Chi Huan Tzǔ accepted the gift. For three days after that no Court was held, and Confucius departed.