Legge Translation (1861)

Bi Xi sent a message, inviting the Master to visit him, and the Master was inclined to go.

Zilu said: "Master, formerly I have heard you say, 'When a man in his own person is guilty of doing evil, a superior man will not associate with him.' Bi Xi is in rebellion, holding possession of Zhongmou; if you go to him, what shall be said?"

The Master said: "Yes, I did use those words. But is it not said, that, if a thing be really hard, it may be ground without being made thin? Is it not said, that, if a thing be really white, it may be steeped in a dark fluid without being made black?

Am I a bitter gourd! How can I be hung up out of the way of being eaten?"