Confucian Analects · Analects 7.28
1. It was difficult to talk (profitably and reputably) with the people of Hu-hsiang, and a lad of that place having had an interview with the Master, the disciples doubted. 2. The Master said, 'I admit people's approach to me without committing myself as to what they may do when they have retired. Why must one be so severe? If a man purify himself to wait upon me, I receive him so purified, without guaranteeing his past conduct.'
Chinese · source text【廿八章】【一節】互鄉難與言、童子見、門人惑。【二節】子曰、與其進也、不與其退也、唯何甚、人潔己以進、與其潔也、不保其往也。
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Confucius · English translation by James Legge · bilingual transcription
James Legge, The Chinese Classics, Volume 1: Confucian Analects · Project Gutenberg #4094
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