The head of the Chî family was going to attack Chwan-yü.
Zǎn Yû and Chî-lu had an interview with Confucius, and said, “Our chief, Chî, is going to commence operations against Chwan-yü.”
Confucius said, “Ch’iû, is it not you who are in fault here?
“Now, in regard to Chwan-yü, long ago, a former king appointed its ruler to preside over the sacrifices to the eastern Mǎng; moreover, it is in the midst of the territory of our State; and its ruler is a minister in direct connection with the sovereign:—What has your chief to do with attacking it?”
Zǎn Yû said, “Our master wishes the thing; neither of us two ministers wishes it.”
Confucius said, “Ch’iû, there are the words of Châu Zǎn—‘When he can put forth his ability, he takes his place in the ranks of office; when he finds himself unable to do so, he retires from it. How can he be used as a guide to a blind man, who does not support him when tottering, nor raise him up when fallen?’
“And further, you speak wrongly. When a tiger or rhinoceros escapes from his cage; when a tortoise or piece of jade is injured in its repository:—whose is the fault?”
Zǎn Yû said, “But at present, Chwan-yü is strong and near to Pî; if our chief do not now take it, it will hereafter be a sorrow to his descendants.”
Confucius said. “Ch’iû, the superior man hates that declining to say—‘I want such and such a thing,’ and framing explanations for the conduct.