Chang, were conversing together, when it was asked, "Who can be, and yet not be?
- Implying the absence of all consciousness.
Who can do, and yet not do?
- By virtue of inaction.
Who can mount to heaven, and roaming through the clouds, pass beyond the limits of space, oblivious of existence, for ever and ever without end?"
The three looked at each other and smiled; and as neither had any misgivings, they became friends accordingly.
Shortly afterwards Tzŭ Sang Hu died; whereupon Confucius sent Tzŭ Kung
- One of his chief disciples.
to take part in the mourning. But Tzŭ Kung found that one had composed a song which the other was accompanying on the lute,
- Strictly speaking, a kind of zitha, played with two hammers.
as follows:—
Ah! Wilt thou come back to us, Sang Hu?
Ah! Wilt thou come back to us, Sang Hu?
Thou hast already returned to thy God,
While we still remain here as men,—alas!
Tzŭ Kung hurried in and said, "How can you sing alongside of a corpse? Is this decorum?"
The two men looked at each other and laughed,
