[236] This is by no means uncommon. The debt of gratitude between pupil and teacher is second only to that existing between child and parent; and a successful student soon has it in his power to more than repay any such act of kindness as that here mentioned.
[237] Which form the unvarying curriculum of a Chinese education. These are (1) the _Four Books_, consisting of the teachings of Confucius and Mencius; and (2) the _Five Canons_ (in the ecclesiastical sense of the word) or the Canons of Changes, History, Poetry, the Record of Rites, and Spring and Autumn. The _Four Books_ consist of:--
(1) The Book of Wisdom, attributed by Chu Hi to Confucius. It is a disquisition upon virtue and the moral elevation of the people.
(2) The _Chung Yung_, or Gospel of Tz[)u] Ss[)u] (the grandson of Confucius) wherein the ruling motives of human conduct are traced from their psychological source.
(3) The Confucian Gospels, being discourses of the Sage with his disciples on miscellaneous topics.
_The Canon of Changes_ contains a fanciful system of philosophy based upon the combinations of eight diagrams said to have been copied from the lines on the back of a tortoise. Ascribed to B.C. 1150.
_The Canon of History_ embraces a period extending from the middle of the 24th century B.C. to B.C. 721. Was edited by Confucius from then existing documents.
_The Canon of Poetry_ is a collection of irregular lyrics in vogue among the people many centuries before the Christian era. Collected and arranged by Confucius.
_The Record of Rites_ contains a number of rules for the performance of ceremonies and guidance of individual conduct.
_Spring and Autumn_ consists of the annals of the petty kingdom of Lu from 722 to 484 B.C. Is the work of Confucius himself.
[239] To be presented to the Emperor before taking up his post.
[240] Hoping thus to interest Buddha in his behalf.
[241] In accordance with Chinese usage, by which titles of nobility are often conferred upon the _dead_ parents of a distinguished son.