The Gateless Gate/Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two

The Gateless Gate
by Mumon, translated by 
Nyogen Senzaki and Paul Reps
14. Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two

Koan number 14 out of 49 in this work (published 1228, translated 1934)

822389The Gateless Gate — 14. Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two
Nyogen Senzaki and Paul Reps
Mumon

Nansen saw the monks of the eastern and western halls fighting over a cat. He seized the cat and told the monks: "If any of you say a good word, you can save the cat."

No one answered. So Nansen boldly cut the cat in two pieces.

That evening Joshu returned and Nansen told him about this. Joshu removed his sandals and, placing them on his head, walked out.

Nansen said: "If you had been there, you could have saved the cat."

Mumon’s comment: Why did Joshu put his sandals on his head? If anyone answers this question, he will understand exactly how Nansen enforced the edict. If not, he should watch his own head.
Had Joshu been there,
He would have enforced the edict oppositely.
Joshu snatches the sword
And Nansen begs for his life.