Confucius, in his village, looked simple and sincere, and as if he were not able to speak.

孔子于乡党，恂恂如也，似不能言者；

When he was in the princes ancestral temple, or in the court, he spoke minutely on every point, but cautiously.

其在宗庙朝庭，便便言，唯谨尔。

When he was waiting at court, in speaking with the great officers of the lower grade, he spoke freely, but in a straightforward manner;

朝，与下大夫言，侃侃如也；

in speaking with those of the higher grade, he did so blandly, but precisely.

与上大夫言，訚訚如也。

When the ruler was present, his manner displayed respectful uneasiness; it was grave, but self-possessed.

君在，踧踖如也，与与如也。

When the prince called him to employ him in the reception of a visitor, his countenance appeared to change, and his legs to move forward with difficulty.

君召使摈，色勃如也，足躩如也。

He inclined himself to the other officers among whom he stood, moving his left or right arm, as their position required, but keeping the skirts of his robe before and behind evenly adjusted.

揖所与立，左右手，衣前后襜如也。

He hastened forward, with his arms like the wings of a bird. When the guest had retired, he would report to the prince, "The visitor is not turning round any more."

趋进，翼如也。宾退，必复命曰：“宾不顾矣。”

When he entered the palace gate, he seemed to bend his body, as if it were not sufficient to admit him.

入公门，鞠躬如也，如不容。

When he was standing, he did not occupy the middle of the gateway; when he passed in or out, he did not tread upon the threshold.

立不中门，行不履阈。

When he was passing the vacant place of the prince, his countenance appeared to change, and his legs to bend under him, and his words came as if he hardly had breath to utter them.

过位，色勃如也，足躩如也，其言似不足者。

He ascended the reception hall, holding up his robe with both his hands, and his body bent; holding in his breath also, as if he dared not breathe.

摄齐升堂，鞠躬如也，屏气似不息者。