Summon

Analects 17.5

Original Text:

公山弗扰以费畔召子欲往子路不说曰末之也已何必公山氏之之也子曰夫召我者而岂徒哉如有用我者吾其为东周乎

Translation:

Other Translations:

Gongshan Furao used the stronghold of Bi to stage a revolt against the Ji Family. He summoned Confucius, and the Master was inclined to go.

Zilu was displeased, and said, “We have nowhere else to go, that is true. But why must we go to the house of Gongshan?”

The Master replied, “I have been summoned—how could it be for naught? If I found someone to employ me, could I not establish a new Zhou in the East?”

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

Gongshan Furao headed a rebellion in the region of Bi and invited Confucius to join him. The Master wanted to go, but Zilu, displeased, said, Don’t go, and that will end the matter. What need is there to join someone like Gongshan?

The Master said, He has invited me—how could it be a complete waste? If someone would only make use of me, I could create a Zhou of the east!

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

Analects 10.20

Original Text:

君命召不俟驾行矣

Translation:

Other Translations:

When summoned by his lord, he would set off on foot, without waiting for his horses to be hitched to the carriage.

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

[Missing]

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

Analects 10.3

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.