Legge Translation (1861)

The Master said to Yan Yuan: "When called to office, to undertake its duties; when not so called, to lie retired; — it is only I and you who have attained to this."

Zilu said: "If you had the conduct of the armies of a great State, whom would you have to act with you?"

The Master said: "I would not have him to act with me, who will unarmed attack a tiger, or cross a river without a boat, dying without any regret. My associate must be the man who proceeds to action full of solicitude, who is fond of adjusting his plans, and then carries them into execution."