Mencius - Book 2, Part 2, Chapter 3

Ch'an Tsin asked Mencius, saying, 'Formerly, when you were in Ch'î, the king sent you a present Of , taels of fine silver, and you refused to accept it. When you were in Sung, , taels were sent to you, which you accepted; and when you were in Hsieh, , taels were sent, which you likewise accepted. If your declining to accept the gift in the first case was right, your accepting it in the latter cases was wrong. If your accepting it in the latter cases was right, your declining to do so in the first case was wrong. You must accept, Master, one of these alternatives.'

Mencius said, 'I did right in all the cases.

'When I was in Sung, I was about to take a long journey. Travelers must be provided with what is necessary for their expenses. The prince's message was, 'A present against traveling-expenses." Why should I have declined the gift?

'When I was in Hsieh, I was apprehensive for my safety, and taking measures for my protection. The message was, "I have heard that you are taking measures to protect yourself, and send this to help you in procuring arms." Why should I have declined the gift?

'But when I was in Ch'i, I had no occasion for money. To send a man a gift when he has no occasion for it, is to bribe him. How is it possible that a superior man should be taken with a bribe?'
~ James Legge translation via nothingistic.org ~

Go here to read the introductory post to this serialized version of the Works of Mencius.