说苑/孔子曰：「自季孫之賜我千鍾，而友益親。

孔子曰：「自季孫之賜我千鍾，而友益親。

Eric Henry

Kongzi said, “Ever since the Jisun clan chief gave me a thousand zhong of grain, my friends have drawn nearer to me.

自南宮頃叔之乘我車也，而道加行。

Eric Henry

Ever since Nangong Qing-shu30 gave me a carriage to ride in, my teachings have made more headway in the world.

故道，有時而後重，有勢而後行。

Eric Henry

Thus, one can see that the Way is valued only when times are propitious and makes headway only when circumstances are favorable.

微夫二子之賜，丘之道幾於廢也。」

Eric Henry

Had it not been for the gifts of those two gentlemen, my teachings would now be suffering nearly total neglect.