Tsze-lu went and reported their remarks, when the Master observed with a sigh,
子路行以告,夫子怃然曰:
"It is impossible to associate with birds and beasts, as if they were the same with us,
“鸟兽不可与同群,
if I associate not with these people, with mankind, with whom shall I associate?
吾非斯人之徒与而谁与?
If right principles prevailed through the empire, there would be no use for me to change its state."
天下有道,丘不与易也。”
Tsze-lu, following the Master, happened to fall behind,
子路从而后,
when he met an old man, carrying across his shoulder on a staff a basket for weeds. Tsze-lu said to him,
遇丈人,以杖荷蓧。子路问曰:
"Have you seen my master, sir?" The old man replied, "Your four limbs are unaccustomed to toil,
“子见夫子乎?”丈人曰:“四体不勤,
you cannot distinguish the five kinds of grain: who is your master?"
五谷不分,孰为夫子?”
With this, he planted his staff in the ground, and proceeded to weed.
植其杖而芸,
Tsze-lu joined his hands across his breast, and stood before him.
子路拱而立。
The old man kept Tsze-lu to pass the night in his house, killed a fowl, prepared millet, and feasted him.
止子路宿,杀鸡为黍而食之。
He also introduced to him his two sons. Next day, Tsze-lu went on his way, and reported his adventure.
见其二子焉。明日,子路行以告。
The Master said, "He is a recluse," and sent Tsze-lu back to see him again,
子曰:“隐者也。”使子路反见之,
but when he got to the place, the old man was gone.
至则行矣。