2186310A Chinese Biographical Dictionary — Ch'ên ShihHerbert A. Giles

243 Ch'ên Shih 陳寔 (T. 仲弓). A.D. 104-187. An official of the Han dynasty, distinguished for parity and uprightness. As Magistrate of 太丘 T'ai-ch'iu in Honan, he ruled so justly that people from neighbouring Districts flocked to his jurisdiction. Resigning office, he returned to his home in Ying-ch'uan in Anhui, where he was appealed to as arbiter in all disputes by the people, who preferred to suffer the penalties of the law. rather than incur his disapproval. On one occasion, when a thief had hidden himself among the roof-beams, he quietly called together his sons and grandsons, and after a short moral lecture pointed up at the thief, saying, "Do not imitate this 梁上君子 gentleman on the beam." The latter was so touched that he came down and asked forgiveness, promising to lead an honest life for the future, and departing joyfully with a present of money. In 168 Ho Chin in vain tried to induce him to accept high office. His funeral is said to have been attended by 80,000 persons from all parts of the empire. He and his two sons (T. 元方 and 季方), both distinguished men, were known as the 三君.