说苑/趙簡子問於成摶曰：「吾聞夫羊殖者賢大夫也，是行奚然？

趙簡子問於成摶曰：「吾聞夫羊殖者賢大夫也，是行奚然？

Eric Henry

“I’ve heard that Yang Zhi118 is a worthy officer,” Zhao Jianzi once said to Cheng Tuan. “How does he act?” “I don’t know,” said Cheng Tuan. “I’ve heard you’re on close terms with him,” said Zhao Jianzi.

」對曰：「臣摶不知也。

Eric Henry

“Why don’t you know?” “His character has changed several times,” said Cheng Tuan. “At fifteen he was honest and didn’t hide his misdeeds.

」簡子曰：「吾聞之，子與友親。

Eric Henry

At twenty he was endowed with empathy and fond of performing gallant deeds.

Eric Henry

At thirty, as assistant commander to the army of the center, he was courageous and liked to show his understanding of others’ character.

子而不知也，何也?摶曰：「其為人也數變：其十五年也，廉以不匿其過；其二十也，仁以喜義；其三十也，為晉中軍尉，勇以喜仁；其年五十也，為邊城將，遠者復親。

Eric Henry

At age fifty, as commander of the borderland cities, he caused those at a distance to draw near to him.

今臣不見五年矣，恐其變，是以不敢知。

Eric Henry

But I have not seen him for five years now and fear he has changed.

」簡子曰：「果賢大夫也，每變益上矣。」

Eric Henry

That is why I cannot presume to know him.” “He is a worthy officer indeed,” said Zhao Jianzi.

Eric Henry

“With each change, he rises to a higher level.