Yao went to visit Hua. The border-warden of Hua said "Ha! a Sage. My best respects to you, Sir. I wish you a long life."
"Don't!" replied Yao.
"I wish you plenty of money," continued the border-warden.
"Don't!" replied Yao.
"And many sons," added he.
"Don't!" replied Yao.
"Long life, plenty of money, and many sons," cried the warden, "these are what all men desire. How is it you alone do not want them?"
"Many sons," answered Yao, "are many anxieties. Plenty of money means plenty of trouble. Long life involves much that is not pleasant to put up with. These three gifts do not advance virtue; therefore I declined them."
"At first I took you for a Sage," said the warden, "but now I find you are a mere man. God, in sending man into the world, gives to each his proper function. If you have many sons and give to each his proper function, what cause have you for anxiety?
"And similarly, if you have wealth and allow others to share it, what troubles will you have?"
"The true Sage dwells like the quail
- At random.
and feeds like a fledgeling.
- Which is dependent on its parents.
He travels like the bird, leaving no trace behind.
