The Master asked Kung-ming Chiâ about Kung-shû Wǎn, saying, “Is it true that your master speaks not, laughs not, and takes not?”
Kung-ming Chiâ replied, “This has arisen from the reporters going beyond the truth.—My master speaks when it is the time to speak, and so men do not get tired of his speaking. He laughs when there is occasion to be joyful, and so men do not get tired of his laughing. He takes when it is consistent with righteousness to do so, and so men do not get tired of his taking.” The Master said, “So! But is it so with him?”