Original Text:
君召使摈色勃如也足躩如也揖所与立左右手衣前后襜如也趋进翼如也宾退必复命曰宾不顾矣
Translation:
Other Translations:
When called on by his lord to receive a guest, his countenance would become alert and serious, and he would hasten his steps. When he saluted those in attendance beside him—extending his clasped hands to the left or right, as their position required—his robes remained perfectly arrayed, both front and back. Hastening forward, he moved smoothly, as though gliding upon wings. Once the guest had left, he would always return to report, “The guest is no longer looking back.”
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
When the ruler summoned him to greet a guest, his face took on a look of concentration and his pace was solemn. As he bowed and took his place with the others in line, he clasped his hands first to the left, then to the right, his robe falling front and back in graceful folds. When he hurried forward, he did so in a dignified manner. And after the guest had departed, he always reported the conclusion of the mission, saying, The guest has ceased to look back.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.