Message

Original Text:

孺悲欲见孔子孔子辞以疾将命者出户取瑟而歌使之闻之

Translation:

Other Translations:

Ru Bei [sent a messenger expressing his] wish to have an audience with Confucius, but Confucius declined, saying that he was ill. As soon as the messenger went out the door, however, Confucius picked up his zither and sang, making sure that the messenger could hear him.

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

Ru Bei wanted to visit Confucius, but Confucius excused himself on the grounds of illness. Then, as the person who had delivered the message was going out the door, Confucius took up his zither and began to sing, making certain that the man heard him.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.