When entering the gate of his Duke, he would draw himself in, as if the gate were not large enough to admit him.
He would not come to a halt at the center of the doorway and when walking would not tread upon the threshold.
When passing by his appointed place, his countenance would become alert and serious, he would hasten his steps, his words falling to a whisper as if he could barely get them out.
When he ascended to the Duke’s dais with the hem of his gown gathered in his hands, he would draw himself in, slowing his breath to the point that it seemed as if he were not breathing at all. Upon leaving the Duke’s dais, his expression would relax as he descended the top stair, and he would seem at ease. On reaching the bottom of the stairs, he would hasten forward smoothly, as though gliding upon wings. When returning to his own place, he would resume his attitude of cautious respect.
Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.
When he entered the ruler’s gate, he bent forward, as though the gate were not big enough to admit him. He never stood in the middle of the gateway or stepped on the threshold.
When he passed the place customarily occupied by the ruler, his face took on a look of concentration and his pace was solemn. When he spoke, he seemed to have trouble getting out his words.
When he gathered up his robe and ascended the hall, his body was bent forward and his breathing stilled, as though he were unable to breathe. When he emerged from the audience and descended the first step, he relaxed his expression with a look of relief. When he had come to the bottom of the steps, he hurried forward in a dignified manner and returned to his original position with a reverent air.
Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.
