CHAPTER 23

The Master said, "The cautious seldom err."

19. A SON OUGHT NOT TO GO TO A DISTANCE WHERE HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PAY THE DUE SERVICES TO HIS PARENTS. 方=一定向, 'a fixed direction or quarter', whence he may be recalled, if necessary.

20. A REPETITION OF PART OF I.11.

21. WHAT EFFECT THE AGE OF PARENTS SHOULD HAVE ON THEIR CHILDREN. 知, it is said, conveys here 念念不忘意, 'the meaning of unforgetting thoughtfulness'.

22. THE VIRTUE OF THE ANCIENTS SEEN IN THEIR SLOWNESS TO SPEAK. Obs. the force of the two之.—'The not coming forth of the words of the ancients was shame about the not coming up to them of their actions.'

23. ADVANTAGE OF CAUTION. Collie's version, which I have adopt., is here happy. 约, see ch. 2. The 'binding' here is of one's-self, self-restraint,= 'caution'.失之, 'lose it', 之referring to whatev. bus. the cautious may be engaged in. 之, foll. an act. verb, often makes it neuter; at least, a neuter verb renders the expression best in English.