Tsze-lu went and reported their remarks, when the Master observed with a sigh,

子路行以告，夫子怃然曰：

"It is impossible to associate with birds and beasts, as if they were the same with us,

“鸟兽不可与同群，

if I associate not with these people, with mankind, with whom shall I associate?

吾非斯人之徒与而谁与？

If right principles prevailed through the empire, there would be no use for me to change its state."

天下有道，丘不与易也。”

Tsze-lu, following the Master, happened to fall behind,

子路从而后，

when he met an old man, carrying across his shoulder on a staff a basket for weeds. Tsze-lu said to him,

遇丈人，以杖荷蓧。子路问曰：

"Have you seen my master, sir?" The old man replied, "Your four limbs are unaccustomed to toil,

“子见夫子乎？”丈人曰：“四体不勤，

you cannot distinguish the five kinds of grain: who is your master?"

五谷不分，孰为夫子？”

With this, he planted his staff in the ground, and proceeded to weed.

植其杖而芸，

Tsze-lu joined his hands across his breast, and stood before him.

子路拱而立。

The old man kept Tsze-lu to pass the night in his house, killed a fowl, prepared millet, and feasted him.

止子路宿，杀鸡为黍而食之。

He also introduced to him his two sons. Next day, Tsze-lu went on his way, and reported his adventure.

见其二子焉。明日，子路行以告。

The Master said, "He is a recluse," and sent Tsze-lu back to see him again,

子曰：“隐者也。”使子路反见之，

but when he got to the place, the old man was gone.

至则行矣。