Chinese Merry Tales (1909)/4

Chapter IV.—How Useful the Biggest Volumes May Be.

(Simple Books⁠低書)

THERE was a scholar who studied in a monastery. On the first day after rising, he went out for a little recreation. After midday he returned to his quarters and immediately called his servant to bring his books to him. The servant brought him a volume of literature of the Liang Dynasty. The scholar said: "It is too simple for me." The servant again brought a book of the Han Dynasty. The scholar again said: "Too simple." Again a book of history was brought. He again said: "Too simple."

As his room was next to that of a monk, the latter hearing what he said, was surprised, and came over to question the scholar saying: "These three books, if a person could commit one of them to memory, he may consider himself learned. Why do you say that it is simple. What is your reason for saying that?" He replied: "I wish to take a nap and intended to pile up the books to form a pillow."

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