Legge Translation (1861)

The philosopher Zeng being ill, Meng Jing went to ask how he was. Zeng said to him: "When a bird is about to die, its notes are mournful; when a man is about to die, his words are good.

There are three principles of conduct which the man of high rank should consider of especial importance: — that in his deportment and manner he keep from violence and heedlessness; that in regulating his countenance he keep near to sincerity; and that in his words and tones he keep far from lowness and impropriety. As to such matters as attending to the sacrificial vessels, there are the proper officers for them."