Gems of Chinese Literature/Liu Chi-Outsides
At Hangchow there lived a costermonger who understood how to keep oranges a whole year without letting them spoil. His fruit was always fresh-looking, firm as jade, and of a beautiful golden hue; but inside―dry as an old cocoon.
One day I asked him, saying, “Are your oranges for altar or sacrificial purposes, or for show at banquets?[1] Or do you make this outside display merely to cheat the foolish? as cheat them, you most outrageously do.” “Sir,” replied the orangeman, “I have carried on this trade now for many years. It is my source of livelihood. I sell: the world buys. And I have yet to learn that you are the only honest man about, and that I am the only cheat. Perhaps it never struck you in this light. The bâton-bearers of to-day, seated on their tiger skins, pose as the martial guardians of the State; but what are they compared with the captains of old? The broad-brimmed, long-robed ministers of to-day, pose as pillars of the constitution; but have they the wisdom of our ancient counsellors? Evil doers arise and none can subdue them. The people are in misery, and none can relieve them. Clerks are corrupt, and none can restrain them. Laws decay, and none can renew them. Our officials eat the bread of the State, and know no shame. They sit in lofty halls, ride fine steeds, drink themselves drunk with wine, and batten on the richest fare. Which of them but puts on an awe-inspiring look, a dignified mien?―all gold and gems without, but dry cocoons within. You pay, sir, no heed to these things, while you are very particular about my oranges.”
I had no answer to make. I retired to ponder over this costermonger’s wit, which reminded me forcibly of “The Wag.”[2] Was he really out of conceit with the age, or only quizzing me in defence of his fruit?
- ↑ A light touch of nature which seems to prove the kinship of the whole human family.
- ↑ Tung-fang So. See p. 75.