T'ai Huang was peaceful when asleep and inactive when awake. At one time he would think himself a horse; at another, an ox.
- So effectually had he closed all channels leading to consciousness of self.
His wisdom was substantial and above suspicion. His virtue was genuine indeed. And yet he never sank to the level of artificiality."
- He was a monarch after the pattern of Tao.
Chien Wu meeting the eccentric Chieh Yü, the latter enquired, saying, "What did Jih Chung Shih teach you?"
- Of the last nothing is known. The first two have been already mentioned in chs. i. and vi.
"He taught me," replied Chien Wu, "about the laws and regulations which princes evolve, and which he said none would venture not to hear and obey."
"That is a false teaching indeed," replied Chieh Yü. "To attempt to govern mankind thus,—as well try to wade through the sea, to hew a passage through a river, or make a mosquito fly away with a mountain!
"The government of the truly wise man has no concern with externals. He first perfects himself, and then by virtue thereof he is enabled to accomplish what he wants.
- Passively, without effort of any kind.
"The bird flies high to avoid snare and dart.
