“Such is popularity with one’s superiors in the present day. Do you think that I could be as one of these? No! Beyond sending in a complimentary card at the summer and winter festivals, I do not go near the great from one year’s end to another. Even when I pass their doors I stuff my ears and cover my eyes, and gallop quickly by, as if some one was after me. In consequence of this want of breadth, I am of course no favourite with the authorities; but what care I? There is a destiny that shapes our ends, and it has shaped mine towards the path of duty alone. For which, no doubt, you think me an ass.” * * * * * [Sidenote: WANG TAO-K‘UN] WANG TAO-K‘UN took his third degree in 1547. His instincts seemed to be all for a soldier’s life, and he rose to be a successful commander. He found ample time, however, for books, and came to occupy an honourable place among contemporary writers. His works, which, according to one critic, are “polished in style and lofty in tone,” have been published in a uniform edition, and are still read. The following is a cynical skit upon the corruption of his day:-- “A retainer was complaining to Po Tzŭ that no one in the district knew how to get on. “‘You gentlemen,’ said he, ‘are like square handles which you would thrust into the round sockets of your generation. Consequently, there is not one of you which fits.’ “‘You speak truth,’ replied Po Tzŭ; ‘kindly explain how this is so.’ “‘There are five reasons,’ said the retainer, ‘why you are at loggerheads with the age, as follows:-- “‘(1) The path to popularity lies straight before you, but you will not follow it. “‘(2) Other men’s tongues reach the soft places in the hearts of their superiors, but your tongues are too short. “‘(3) Others eschew fur robes, and approach with bent backs as if their very clothes were too heavy for them; but you remain as stiff-necked as planks. “‘(4) Others respond even before they are called, and seek to anticipate the wishes of their superiors; whose enemies, were they the saints above, would not escape abuse; whose friends, were they highwaymen and thieves, would be larded over with praise. But you--you stick at facts and express opinions adverse to those of your superiors, whom it is your special interest to conciliate. “‘(5) Others make for gain as though bent upon shooting a pheasant, watching in secret and letting fly with care, so that nothing escapes their aim. But you--you hardly bend your bow, or bend it only to miss the quarry that lies within your reach. “‘One of these five failings is like a tumour hanging to you and impeding your progress in life. How much more all of them!’