論 語 Lun Yu – The Analects of Confucius

入公門、鞠躬如也、如不容。立不中門、行不履閾。過位、色勃如也、足躩如也、其言似不足者。攝齊升堂、鞠躬如也、屏氣似不息者。出降一等、逞顏色、怡怡如也、沒階趨進、翼如也、復其位、踧踖如也。

原文 244

Demeanor of Confucius in the court at an audience.
1. When he entered the palace gate, he seemed to bend his body, as if it were not sufficient to admit him.
2. When he was standing, he did not occupy the middle of the gateway; when he passed in or out, he did not tread upon the threshold.
3. When he was passing the vacant place of the prince, his countenance appeared to change, and his legs to bend under him, and his words came as if he hardly had breath to utter them.
4. He ascended the reception hall, holding up his robe with both his hands, and his body bent; holding in his breath also, as if he dared not breathe.
5. When he came out from the audience, as soon as he had descended one step, he began to relax his countenance, and had a satisfied look. When he had got the bottom of the steps, he advanced rapidly to his place, with his arms like wings, and on occupying it, his manner still showed respectful uneasiness.

Legge X.4.

On going through the outer gates to his lord's court, he drew himself in, as though the entrance was too small to admit him. When he stood, he did not occupy the centre of the gateway;' when he walked, he did not step on the threshold. When he went past the station of his lord, his face took on a serious expression, his step became brisk, and his words seemed more laconic. When he lifted the hem of his robe to ascend the hall, he drew himself in, stopped inhaling as if he had no need to breathe. When he had come out and descended the first step, relaxing his expression, he seemed no longer to be tense. When he had reached the bottom of the steps he went forward with quickened steps as though he was gliding on wings. When he resumed his station, his bearing was respectful.

Lau [10:3]

En entrant à la porte du palais, il se courbait comme si la porte avait été trop basse pour le laisser passer. Il ne se tenait pas au milieu de l'entrée ; en marchant, il évitait de mettre le pied sur le seuil. En passant auprès du siège du prince1, l'air de son visage paraissait changé et sa démarche accélérée ; les paroles semblaient lui manquer. Il montait à la salle d'audience, tenant sa tunique relevée, ayant le corps incliné, et retenant son haleine comme s'il ne pouvait plus respirer. En sortant, dès qu'il avait descendu le premier degré, son visage reprenait son air accoutumé ; Il paraissait apaisé et joyeux. Arrivé au bas des degrés, il hâtait le pas, comme un oiseau qui étend les ailes. En retournant à sa place, il paraissait éprouver une crainte respectueuse.

Couvreur X.4.