22. During the fight at Lang[1], Kung-shu Zü-zǎn
saw (many of) the men, carrying their clubs on their
shoulders, entering behind the shelter of the small
wall, and said, "Although the services required of
them are distressing, and the burdens laid on them
heavy, (they ought to fight); but though our
superiors do not form (good) plans, it is not right
that soldiers should not be prepared to die. This
is what I say." On this along with Wang Î, a youth,
(the son) of a neighbour, he went forward, and both
of them met their death.
The people of Lû wished to bury the lad Wang Î not as one who had died prematurely, and asked Kung-nî about the point. He said, "As he was able to bear his shield and spear in the defence of our altars, may you not do as you wish, and bury him as one who has not died prematurely?"
23. When 𝖅ze-lû was going away from Lû, he said to Yen Yüan, 'What have you to send me away with?" "I have heard," was the reply, "that, when one is leaving his state, he wails at the graves (of his fathers), and then takes his journey, while on his return to it, he does not wail, but goes to look at the graves, and (then) enters (the city)." He then said to 𝖅ze-lû, "And what have you to leave with me here?" "I have heard," was the reply, "that, when you pass by a grave, you should bow forward to the cross-bar, and, when you pass a place of sacrifice, you should dismount."
24. Shang Yang, director of Works (in Khû), and
- ↑ The fight at Lang is mentioned in the Khun Khiû under B.C. 484. Зo's description of the battle gives the incident mentioned here, but somewhat differently.
