WANG TAO-K‘UN
Wang Tao-k‘un took his third degree in 1547. His instincts seemed to be all for a soldier’s life, and he rose to be a successful commander. He found ample time, however, for books, and came to occupy an honourable place among contemporary writers. His works, which, according to one critic, are “polished in style and lofty in tone,” have been published in a uniform edition, and are still read. The following is a cynical skit upon the corruption of his day:—
“A retainer was complaining to Po Tzŭ that no one in the district knew how to get on.
“‘You gentlemen,’ said he, ‘are like square handles which you would thrust into the round sockets of your generation. Consequently, there is not one of you which fits.’
“‘You speak truth,’ replied Po Tzŭ; ‘kindly explain how this is so.’
“‘There are five reasons,’ said the retainer, ‘why you are at loggerheads with the age, as follows:—
“‘(1) The path to popularity lies straight before you, but you will not follow it.
“‘(2) Other men’s tongues reach the soft places in the hearts of their superiors, but your tongues are too short.
“‘(3) Others eschew fur robes, and approach with bent backs as if their very clothes were too heavy for them; but you remain as stiff-necked as planks.