When Chuang Tzu went to Ch'u, he saw an old skull, all dry and parched. He poked it with his carriage whip and then asked, "Sir, were you greedy for life and forgetful of reason, and so came to this? Was your state overthrown and did you bow beneath the ax, and so came to this? Did you do some evil deed and were you ashamed to bring disgrace upon your parents and family, and so came to this? Was it through the pangs of cold and hunger that you came to this? Or did your springs and autumns pile up until they brought you to this?"Go here to read the introductory post to the chapters of the Book of Chuang Tzu.
When he had finished speaking, he dragged the skull over and, using it for a pillow, lay down to sleep.
~ Burton Watson translation via Terebess Asia Online ~
Friday, April 15, 2011
Chapter 18, Part 4A - Chuang Tzu
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Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? (Hamlet, V.i)
ReplyDeleteHamelt could have done with a little reading of Chuang Tzu!