子路問其故何也。
When Zilu asked him why he acted thus, Cheng Hui replied, “I have heard it said that one who goes on foot is like a bird; above, he fears the birds of prey, and, below, he fears the nets of hunters.
回對曰：「臣聞之：行者比鳥，上畏鷹鸇，下畏網羅。
夫人為善者少，為讒者多，若身不死，安知禍罪不施？
Good people, one may note, are few and dishonest people numerous—if one is not yet dead, how can one know that one will not fall prey to accusation and disaster?
行年七十，常恐行節之虧。
One may live to seventy and still fear that one’s rectitude is deficient.
回是以恭敬待大命。
」子路稽首曰：「君子哉！」
I therefore maintain a respectful bearing while awaiting the decrees of Heaven.” Zilu touched his head to the floor and said, “A man of quality indeed!