Muwa Gisun Section Seven

discourse 51

That person is very learned and quite talented.  He is also good at writing and is constantly practicing. “Nulla dies sine linea” is his motto.  If we truly managed to be as diligent as he, we could also have accomplished much long before now.

 

discourse 52

There is not one sturdy table or bench in our school.  They all wobble around noisily.  After we hire a carpenter to fix the table, it will be better for us to sit and write.  It won’t cost very much to pay him.

 

discourse 53

Even if it is good for a person to be upright and strict, if you often go too far [in this direction], that is not moderation.  Besides, it is not that I am engaging in corruption myself.  It would be good if only everyone would strive to uphold duty and principle in every situation.  Why are you always so contrary?

 

discourse 54

In this house, only you were senior.  It would be proper if you were to lead them in the right direction.  [He] has taken charge, so why now of all times the crazy behavior?  Brother, why do you speak so carefully to him?  You should just deck a boor like that and beat him up.  What sort of honor [lit., face] are you still concerned about?

 

discourse 55

At the place where weapons are inspected, it’s so exciting!  Soldiers and officers have all put on their armor, and have lined up tightly in neat rows waiting for the high officials of the Board of War.  When they get there, it’s very quiet – not the slightest noise – and you cannot hear anything but the sound of metal rattling.  The brilliance of the weapons shining in the sunlight blinds you.  It’s truly magnificent.

 

discourse 56

What’s up, brother?

I’m fine.

How is everyone at home?

Everyone’s fine.

Why haven’t you come by recently?  Were you angry?  What trivial annoyance has kept you away [lit., “made you unable to come”]?  When you get the time, you should definitely come.

 

discourse 57

Writing is that which has been left by the sages.  As we depend on writing, we learn it.  Do not wantonly toss out paper with writing on it.  If you see paper with writing on it on the street, pick it up and put it in a clean place.

 

discourse 58

Young master, that which you hold in the mouth belongs to others, that which you swallow is your own.

This may not always be true.  When we have got something, we might say we have it, but it won’t be for long.  What should one say to those proud people who continue to boast about what they still have, [at least] right now?

 

discourse 59

Have you not seen him lately?  Probably he’s a little better than before.  Don’t bring it up.  After you mention it, I get a headache.  By nature, he’s just not a useful person.  No matter how much you guide him, he just doesn’t make any progress.  I detest him so much that I cannot even talk about it!

 

discourse 60

Shake this coat and fold it nicely, and then store it in the closet.  Hang the belt in the clothes rack.  Dust off your boots, clean off the mud on the soles, and brush them.  Sweep the quilt and mattress and make the bed.

I’m tired today.  I just want to go to bed early.

Section Six