说苑/宓子賤為單父宰，辭於夫子，夫子曰：「毋迎而距也，毋望而許也，許之則失守，距之則閉塞。

宓子賤為單父宰，辭於夫子，夫子曰：「毋迎而距也，毋望而許也，許之則失守，距之則閉塞。

Eric Henry

When Fu Zijian was about to become governor of Shanfu, he went to bid farewell to Kongzi, who said to him, “Do not set yourself in opposition to the people and reject their petitions, but at the same time do not accede to their requests simply because they wish it.

譬如高山深淵，仰之不可極，度之不可測也。

Eric Henry

If you accede to their requests, you will lose control; but, if you reject their petitions, you will cut yourself off from them.

」子賤曰：「善，敢不承命乎！」

Eric Henry

It is like a high mountain or a deep lake—gazing up at the one, you cannot see the summit; measuring the other, you cannot fathom the bottom.” “Good,” said Zijian. “How dare I do aught but accept your commands!”