The Analects论语

Book 10, Passage 10.5

When he was carrying the scepter of his ruler, he seemed to bend his body, as if he were not able to bear its weight. He did not hold it higher than the…

执圭,鞠躬如也,如不胜。上如揖,下如授。勃如战色,足蹜蹜,如有循。…
All 27 passages in Book 105 of 27
3 sentences · 4 notes
执zhí圭guī,鞠jū躬gōng如rú也yě,如rú不bù胜shèng。上shàng如rú揖yī,下xià如rú授shòu。勃bó如rú战zhàn色sè,足zú蹜sù蹜sù,如rú有yǒu循xún。享xiǎng礼lǐ,有yǒu容róng色sè。私sī觌dí,愉yú愉yú如rú也yě。

1When he was carrying the scepter of his ruler, he seemed to bend his body, as if he were not able to bear its weight. He did not hold it higher than the position of the hands in making a bow, nor lower than their position in giving anything to another. His countenance seemed to change, and look apprehensive, and he dragged his feet along as if they were held by something to the ground.

2In presenting the presents with which he was charged, he wore a placid appearance.

3At his private audience, he looked highly pleased.

Chinese commentary · 4 notes

The notes printed with this passage in Chinese editions, kept in Chinese, for readers who come to the text that way.

圭:一种玉器,上圆下方。举行典礼时,君臣都拿着。

蹜蹜:脚步细碎紧凑,宛如迈不开步一样。

享礼:使者向所访问的国家献礼物的礼节。

觌:会见。

All 27 passages in Book 10