非攻 Opposing Aggression

一I

子夏的徒弟公孫高來找墨子，已經好幾回了，總是不在家，見不著。Gongsun Gao, a disciple of Zixia, had come looking for Mozi several times already, but he was always out and never to be found.大約是第四或者第五回罷，這才恰巧在門口遇見，因為公孫高剛一到，墨子也適值回家來。It was perhaps the fourth or fifth time, when they finally happened to meet at the gate, for just as Gongsun Gao arrived, Mozi too happened to be coming home.他們一同走進屋子裡。They went into the house together.

子夏的徒弟公孙高来找墨子，已经好几回了，总是不在家，见不著。大约是第四或者第五回罢，这才恰巧在门口遇见，因为公孙高刚一到，墨子也适值回家来。他们一同走进屋子里。

公孫高辭讓了一通之後，眼睛看著席子的破洞，和氣的問道：After an exchange of polite formalities, Gongsun Gao, his eyes on a hole in the mat, asked amiably:

公孙高辞让了一通之后，眼睛看著席子的破洞，和气的问道：

“先生是主張非戰的？”"You advocate against warfare, Master?"

“先生是主张非战的？”

“不錯！”墨子說。"Quite right!" said Mozi.

“不错！”墨子说。

“那麼，君子就不鬥麽？”"Then does a gentleman never fight?"

“那么，君子就不斗么？”

“是的！”墨子說。"That's right!" said Mozi.

“是的！”墨子说。

“豬狗尚且要鬥，何況人……”"Even pigs and dogs fight — how much more so men..."

“猪狗尚且要斗，何况人……”

“唉唉，你們儒者，說話稱著堯舜，做事卻要學豬狗，可憐，可憐！”墨子說著，站了起來，匆匆的跑到廚下去了，一面說：“你不懂我的意思……”"Ah, ah, you Confucians — when you speak you invoke Yao and Shun, but when you act you'd model yourselves on pigs and dogs. Pitiful, pitiful!" Mozi said, and as he spoke he rose and hurried off to the kitchen, saying as he went, "You don't understand my meaning..."

“唉唉，你们儒者，说话称著尧舜，做事却要学猪狗，可怜，可怜！”墨子说著，站了起来，匆匆的跑到厨下去了，一面说：“你不懂我的意思……”

他穿過廚下，到得後門外的井邊，絞著轆轤，汲起半瓶井水來，捧著吸了十多口，於是放下瓦瓶，抹一抹嘴，忽然望著園角上叫了起來道：He passed through the kitchen and came to the well outside the back door, where he turned the windlass and drew up half a jug of well water; cradling it in his hands he took a dozen or so gulps, then set the earthen jug down, wiped his mouth, and suddenly, looking toward the corner of the garden, called out:

他穿过厨下，到得后门外的井边，绞著辘轳，汲起半瓶井水来，捧著吸了十多口，于是放下瓦瓶，抹一抹嘴，忽然望著园角上叫了起来道：

“阿廉！"Ah Lian!你怎麼回來了？”Why have you come back?"

“阿廉！你怎么回来了？”

阿廉也已經看見，正在跑過來，一到面前，就規規矩矩的站定，垂著手，叫一聲“先生”，於是略有些氣憤似的接著說：Ah Lian had already caught sight of him and was running over; as soon as he reached him he stood properly at attention, arms at his sides, called out "Master," and then, seeming somewhat indignant, went on to say:

阿廉也已经看见，正在跑过来，一到面前，就规规矩矩的站定，垂著手，叫一声“先生”，于是略有些气愤似的接著说：

“我不幹了。"I'm quitting.他們言行不一致。They don't practice what they preach.說定給我一千盆粟米的，卻只給了我五百盆。They agreed to give me a thousand basins of millet, but gave me only five hundred.我只得走了。”So I had no choice but to leave."

“我不干了。他们言行不一致。说定给我一千盆粟米的，却只给了我五百盆。我只得走了。”

“如果給你一千多盆，你走麽？”"If they had given you more than a thousand basins, would you have left?"

“如果给你一千多盆，你走么？”

“不。”阿廉答。"No." Ah Lian answered.

“那麼，就並非因為他們言行不一致，倒是因為少了呀！”"Then it's not because they don't practice what they preach — it's because they gave you too little!"

“那么，就并非因为他们言行不一致，倒是因为少了呀！”

墨子一面說，一面又跑進廚房裡，叫道：So saying, Mozi ran back into the kitchen again, calling out:

墨子一面说，一面又跑进厨房里，叫道：

“耕柱子！"Geng Zhuzi!給我和起玉米粉來！”Come mix up some cornmeal for me!"

“耕柱子！给我和起玉米粉来！”

耕柱子恰恰從堂屋裡走到，是一個很精神的青年。Geng Zhuzi had just then come in from the main hall; he was a very spirited young man.

耕柱子恰恰从堂屋里走到，是一个很精神的青年。

“先生，是做十多天的乾糧罷？”他問。"Master, are we making rations for over ten days?" he asked.

“先生，是做十多天的干粮罢？”他问。

“對咧。”墨子說。“公孫高走了罷？”"That's right," said Mozi. "Has Gongsun Gao left?"

“对咧。”墨子说。“公孙高走了罢？”

“走了，”耕柱子笑道。“他很生氣，說我們兼愛無父，像禽獸一樣。”"He's gone," Geng Zhuzi said with a laugh. "He was very angry — said our doctrine of universal love disowns fathers, and makes us no better than beasts."

“走了，”耕柱子笑道。“他很生气，说我们兼爱无父，像禽兽一样。”

墨子也笑了一笑。Mozi laughed too.

“先生到楚國去？”"You're going to the state of Chu, Master?"

“先生到楚国去？”

“是的。"Yes.你也知道了？”墨子讓耕柱子用水和著玉米粉，自己卻取火石和艾絨打了火，點起枯枝來沸水，眼睛看火焰，慢慢的說道：“我們的老鄉公輸般，他總是倚恃著自己的一點小聰明，興風作浪的。So you've heard as well?" Mozi let Geng Zhuzi mix the cornmeal with water, while he himself took flint and tinder and struck a fire, lighting some dry branches to boil water; his eyes on the flames, he said slowly: "That fellow-townsman of ours, Gongshu Ban — he's always relying on his little bit of cleverness to stir up trouble.造了鉤拒，教楚王和越人打仗還不夠，這回是又想出了什麼雲梯，要聳恿楚王攻宋去了。He built hook-and-ram devices and taught the King of Chu to use them fighting the Yue people, and as if that weren't enough, this time he's dreamed up some kind of cloud-ladder, wanting to egg the King of Chu into attacking Song.宋是小國，怎禁得這麼一攻。Song is a small state — how could it withstand such an attack?我去按他一下罷。”I'd better go and hold him back."

“是的。你也知道了？”墨子让耕柱子用水和著玉米粉，自己却取火石和艾绒打了火，点起枯枝来沸水，眼睛看火焰，慢慢的说道：“我们的老乡公输般，他总是倚恃著自己的一点小聪明，兴风作浪的。造了钩拒，教楚王和越人打仗还不够，这回是又想出了什么云梯，要耸恿楚王攻宋去了。宋是小国，怎禁得这么一攻。我去按他一下罢。”

他看得耕柱子已經把窩窩頭上了蒸籠，便回到自己的房裡，在壁廚里摸出一把鹽漬藜菜乾，一柄破銅刀，另外找了一張破包袱，等耕柱子端進蒸熟的窩窩頭來，就一起打成一個包裹。Seeing that Geng Zhuzi had already put the corn buns into the steamer, he went back to his own room, felt about in the wall cupboard and brought out a handful of salted, dried goosefoot greens and a battered copper knife, and found besides an old worn cloth-wrapper; then, once Geng Zhuzi brought in the steamed buns, he bundled everything together into one pack.衣服卻不打點，也不帶洗臉的手巾，只把皮帶緊了一緊，走到堂下，穿好草鞋，背上包裹，頭也不回的走了。He packed no change of clothes, nor took a towel for washing his face, but simply cinched his belt tighter, went down to the hall, put on his straw sandals, shouldered the pack, and walked off without so much as a backward glance.從包裹里，還一陣一陣的冒著熱蒸氣。From the pack, waves of hot steam still kept rising.

他看得耕柱子已经把窝窝头上了蒸笼，便回到自己的房里，在壁厨里摸出一把盐渍藜菜干，一柄破铜刀，另外找了一张破包袱，等耕柱子端进蒸熟的窝窝头来，就一起打成一个包裹。衣服却不打点，也不带洗脸的手巾，只把皮带紧了一紧，走到堂下，穿好草鞋，背上包裹，头也不回的走了。从包裹里，还一阵一阵的冒著热蒸气。

“先生什麼時候回來呢？”耕柱子在後面叫喊道。"When will you be back, Master?" Geng Zhuzi called after him.

“先生什么时候回来呢？”耕柱子在后面叫喊道。

“總得二十來天罷，”墨子答著，只是走。"It should take about twenty days or so," Mozi answered, still walking on.

“总得二十来天罢，”墨子答著，只是走。

二II

墨子走進宋國的國界的時候，草鞋帶已經斷了三四回，覺得腳底上很發熱，停下來一看，鞋底也磨成了大窟窿，腳上有些地方起繭，有些地方起泡了。By the time Mozi crossed into the borders of Song, the straps of his straw sandals had already broken three or four times; feeling his soles growing quite hot, he stopped to look, and found the soles worn through into great holes, with calluses in some places and blisters in others.他毫不在意，仍然走；He paid it no mind whatsoever and simply kept walking;沿路看看情形，人口倒很不少，然而歷來的水災和兵災的痕跡，卻到處存留，沒有人民的變換得飛快。looking at conditions along the road, the population was in fact not small, yet the marks left by floods and wars through the ages lingered everywhere — they did not change nearly as fast as the people did.走了三天，看不見一所大屋，看不見一顆大樹，看不見一個活潑的人，看不見一片肥沃的田地，就這樣的到了都城。He walked for three days without seeing a single large house, a single big tree, a single lively person, or a single stretch of fertile field, and in this way he arrived at the capital.

墨子走进宋国的国界的时候，草鞋带已经断了三四回，觉得脚底上很发热，停下来一看，鞋底也磨成了大窟窿，脚上有些地方起茧，有些地方起泡了。他毫不在意，仍然走；沿路看看情形，人口倒很不少，然而历来的水灾和兵灾的痕迹，却到处存留，没有人民的变换得飞快。走了三天，看不见一所大屋，看不见一颗大树，看不见一个活泼的人，看不见一片肥沃的田地，就这样的到了都城。

城牆也很破舊，但有幾處添了新石頭；The city walls too were very dilapidated, though in a few places new stones had been added;護城溝邊看見爛泥堆，像是有人淘掘過，但只見有幾個閑人坐在溝沿上似乎釣著魚。beside the moat he saw heaps of mud, as though someone had been dredging it, but all he saw were a few idlers sitting on the bank, apparently fishing.

城墙也很破旧，但有几处添了新石头；护城沟边看见烂泥堆，像是有人淘掘过，但只见有几个闲人坐在沟沿上似乎钓著鱼。

“他們大約也聽到消息了，”墨子想。"They must have heard the news too," Mozi thought.細看那些釣魚人，卻沒有自己的學生在裡面。Looking closely at the fishermen, though, he found none of his own disciples among them.

“他们大约也听到消息了，”墨子想。细看那些钓鱼人，却没有自己的学生在里面。

他決計穿城而過，於是走近北關，順著中央的一條街，一徑向南走。He resolved to cut straight through the city, and so approached the North Gate and walked straight south along the central street.城裡面也很蕭條，但也很平靜；The city within was likewise desolate, yet also quite calm;店鋪都貼著減價的條子，然而並不見買主，可是店裡也並無怎樣的貨色；the shops all had notices of reduced prices pasted up, yet no buyers were to be seen, though for that matter the shops had hardly any goods worth speaking of either;街道上滿積著又細又粘的黃塵。the streets were thick with fine, sticky yellow dust.

他决计穿城而过，于是走近北关，顺著中央的一条街，一径向南走。城里面也很萧条，但也很平静；店铺都贴著减价的条子，然而并不见买主，可是店里也并无怎样的货色；街道上满积著又细又粘的黄尘。

“這模樣了，還要來攻它！”墨子想。"In this state, and still they want to attack it!" Mozi thought.

“这模样了，还要来攻它！”墨子想。

他在大街上前行，除看見了貧弱而外，也沒有什麼異樣。He went on along the main street, and besides poverty and weakness, saw nothing else out of the ordinary.楚國要來進攻的消息，是也許已經聽到了的，然而大家被攻得習慣了，自認是活該受攻的了，竟並不覺得特別，況且誰都只剩了一條性命，無衣無食，所以也沒有什麼人想搬家。News that Chu was coming to attack had perhaps already been heard, but everyone had grown so used to being attacked, resigned to the notion that being attacked was simply their lot, that they no longer thought it anything out of the ordinary; besides, everyone had nothing left but their bare life, no clothes and no food, so hardly anyone thought of moving away.待到望見南關的城樓了，這才看見街角上聚著十多個人，好像在聽一個人講故事。Not until he came in sight of the watchtower at the South Gate did he see, at a street corner, a crowd of a dozen or more people gathered as though listening to someone telling a story.

他在大街上前行，除看见了贫弱而外，也没有什么异样。楚国要来进攻的消息，是也许已经听到了的，然而大家被攻得习惯了，自认是活该受攻的了，竟并不觉得特别，况且谁都只剩了一条性命，无衣无食，所以也没有什么人想搬家。待到望见南关的城楼了，这才看见街角上聚著十多个人，好像在听一个人讲故事。

當墨子走得臨近時，只見那人的手在空中一揮，大叫道：As Mozi drew near, he saw the man fling his hand through the air and shout loudly:

当墨子走得临近时，只见那人的手在空中一挥，大叫道：

“我們給他們看看宋國的民氣！"Let's show them the fighting spirit of Song's people!我們都去死！”Let all of us go and die!"

“我们给他们看看宋国的民气！我们都去死！”

墨子知道，這是自己的學生曹公子的聲音。Mozi recognized it at once as the voice of his own disciple, Cao Gongzi.

墨子知道，这是自己的学生曹公子的声音。

然而他並不擠進去招呼他，匆匆的出了南關，只趕自己的路。Yet he did not push his way in to greet him, but hurried on out through the South Gate, intent only on his own journey.又走了一天和大半夜，歇下來，在一個農家的檐下睡到黎明，起來仍復走。He walked on for another day and most of a night, then stopped to rest, sleeping under the eaves of a farmhouse until daybreak, whereupon he rose and walked on again.草鞋已經碎成一片一片，穿不住了，包袱里還有窩窩頭，不能用，便只好撕下一塊布裳來，包了腳。His straw sandals had already fallen apart into shreds and could no longer be worn; the corn buns in his pack were of no use for this, so he had no choice but to tear off a strip of his clothing to wrap around his feet.不過布片薄，不平的村路梗著他的腳底，走起來就更艱難。But the cloth was thin, and the uneven country road jabbed at the soles of his feet, making the walking even harder.到得下午，他坐在一株小小的槐樹下，打開包裹來吃午餐，也算是歇歇腳。By afternoon he sat down beneath a small locust tree, opened his pack to eat his midday meal, and took the chance to rest his feet as well.遠遠的望見一個大漢，推著很重的小車，向這邊走過來了。Far off he caught sight of a big fellow pushing a heavily laden handcart, coming this way.到得臨近，那人就歇下車子，走到墨子面前，叫了一聲“先生”，一面撩起衣角來揩臉上的汗，喘著氣。When he drew near, the man set down his cart, walked up to Mozi, called out "Master," and, panting for breath, lifted the hem of his garment to wipe the sweat from his face.

然而他并不挤进去招呼他，匆匆的出了南关，只赶自己的路。又走了一天和大半夜，歇下来，在一个农家的檐下睡到黎明，起来仍复走。草鞋已经碎成一片一片，穿不住了，包袱里还有窝窝头，不能用，便只好撕下一块布裳来，包了脚。不过布片薄，不平的村路梗著他的脚底，走起来就更艰难。到得下午，他坐在一株小小的槐树下，打开包裹来吃午餐，也算是歇歇脚。远远的望见一个大汉，推著很重的小车，向这边走过来了。到得临近，那人就歇下车子，走到墨子面前，叫了一声“先生”，一面撩起衣角来揩脸上的汗，喘著气。

“這是沙麽？”墨子認識他是自己的學生管黔敖，便問。"Is that sand?" Mozi, recognizing him as his disciple Guan Qian'ao, asked.

“这是沙么？”墨子认识他是自己的学生管黔敖，便问。

“是的，防雲梯的。”"Yes — it's for defending against the cloud-ladders."

“是的，防云梯的。”

“別的準備怎麼樣？”"How are the other preparations coming along?"

“别的准备怎么样？”

“也已經募集了一些麻，灰，鐵。"We've also collected some hemp, ash, and iron.不過難得很：有的不肯，肯的沒有。But it's very hard going — those who have it won't give it, and those willing to give have none.還是講空話的多……”There's still far more talk than action..."

“也已经募集了一些麻，灰，铁。不过难得很：有的不肯，肯的没有。还是讲空话的多……”

“昨天在城裡聽見曹公子在講演，又在玩一股什麼‘氣’，嚷什麼‘死’了。"Yesterday in the city I heard Cao Gongzi giving a speech, going on again about some 'spirit' or other, shouting about 'dying.'你去告訴他：不要弄玄虛；Go and tell him: don't play at mysteries;死並不壞，也很難，但要死得於民有利！”dying isn't a bad thing, and it's a very hard thing too, but one must die in a way that benefits the people!"

“昨天在城里听见曹公子在讲演，又在玩一股什么‘气’，嚷什么‘死’了。你去告诉他：不要弄玄虚；死并不坏，也很难，但要死得于民有利！”

“和他很難說，”管黔敖悵悵的答道。“他在這裡做了兩年官，不大願意和我們說話了……”"It's hard to talk to him," Guan Qian'ao answered ruefully. "He's been an official here for two years now, and isn't much inclined to talk with us anymore..."

“和他很难说，”管黔敖怅怅的答道。“他在这里做了两年官，不大愿意和我们说话了……”

“禽滑釐呢？”"And Qin Guli?"

“禽滑厘呢？”

“他可是很忙。"Oh, he's very busy.剛剛試驗過連弩；He's just been testing repeating crossbows;現在恐怕在西關外看地勢，所以遇不著先生。right now he's probably outside the West Gate surveying the terrain, which is why he hasn't run into you, Master.先生是到楚國去找公輸般的罷？”You're going to Chu to see Gongshu Ban, aren't you, Master?"

“他可是很忙。刚刚试验过连弩；现在恐怕在西关外看地势，所以遇不著先生。先生是到楚国去找公输般的罢？”

“不錯，”墨子說，“不過他聽不聽我，還是料不定的。"That's right," said Mozi, "though whether he'll listen to me or not is still hard to say.你們仍然準備著，不要只望著口舌的成功。”You all keep on preparing just the same — don't rely on success by mere talk alone."

“不错，”墨子说，“不过他听不听我，还是料不定的。你们仍然准备著，不要只望著口舌的成功。”

管黔敖點點頭，看墨子上了路，目送了一會，便推著小車，吱吱嘎嘎的進城去了。Guan Qian'ao nodded, watched Mozi set off down the road, gazed after him a while, then pushed his handcart, creaking and squeaking, back into the city.

管黔敖点点头，看墨子上了路，目送了一会，便推著小车，吱吱嘎嘎的进城去了。

三III

楚國的郢城可是不比宋國：街道寬闊，房屋也整齊，大店鋪里陳列著許多好東西，雪白的麻布，通紅的辣椒，斑斕的鹿皮，肥大的蓮子。The city of Ying in Chu, however, was nothing like Song: its streets were broad, its houses neat and orderly, and the great shops displayed all manner of fine goods — snow-white hemp cloth, bright red chili peppers, gorgeously mottled deerskins, plump lotus seeds.走路的人，雖然身體比北方短小些，卻都活潑精悍，衣服也很乾凈，墨子在這裡一比，舊衣破裳，布包著兩隻腳，真好像一個老牌的乞丐了。The people walking about, though smaller of stature than northerners, were all lively and vigorous, and their clothes were quite clean; set against them, Mozi, in his old worn-out garments with his feet wrapped in rags, truly looked like a beggar of long standing.

楚国的郢城可是不比宋国：街道宽阔，房屋也整齐，大店铺里陈列著许多好东西，雪白的麻布，通红的辣椒，斑斓的鹿皮，肥大的莲子。走路的人，虽然身体比北方短小些，却都活泼精悍，衣服也很干净，墨子在这里一比，旧衣破裳，布包著两只脚，真好像一个老牌的乞丐了。

再向中央走是一大塊廣場，擺著許多攤子，擁擠著許多人，這是鬧市，也是十字路交叉之處。Farther on toward the center was a great open square lined with many stalls and thronged with people — this was the bustling marketplace, and also where the crossroads met.墨子便找著一個好像士人的老頭子，打聽公輸般的寓所，可惜言語不通，纏不明白，正在手真心上寫字給他看，只聽得轟的一聲，大家都唱了起來，原來是有名的賽湘靈已經開始在唱她的《下里巴人》，所以引得全國中許多人，同聲應和了。Mozi found an old man who looked like a scholar-gentleman and asked him where Gongshu Ban lodged, but unfortunately their speech did not agree, and he could not make himself understood; just as he was writing characters on his palm to show him, there came a sudden roar of sound and everyone burst into song — it turned out that the famous Sai Xiangling had begun singing her "Xiali Baren," which drew a great many people throughout the whole country into joining in unison.不一會，連那老士人也在嘴裡發出哼哼聲，墨子知道他決不會再來看他手心上的字，便只寫了半個“公”字，拔步再往遠處跑。Before long, even the old scholar had begun humming along under his breath, and Mozi, realizing the man would certainly not look at the characters on his palm again, having only gotten as far as half the character "Gong," strode off to try somewhere further away.然而到處都在唱，無隙可乘，許多工夫，大約是那邊已經唱完了，這才逐漸顯得安靜。But everywhere people were singing, and there was no opening to be found; only after a long while — presumably because the song over there had finished — did things gradually grow quiet.他找到一家木匠店，去探問公輸般的住址。He found a carpenter's shop and went in to inquire after Gongshu Ban's address.

再向中央走是一大块广场，摆著许多摊子，拥挤著许多人，这是闹市，也是十字路交叉之处。墨子便找著一个好像士人的老头子，打听公输般的寓所，可惜言语不通，缠不明白，正在手真心上写字给他看，只听得轰的一声，大家都唱了起来，原来是有名的赛湘灵已经开始在唱她的《下里巴人》，所以引得全国中许多人，同声应和了。不一会，连那老士人也在嘴里发出哼哼声，墨子知道他决不会再来看他手心上的字，便只写了半个“公”字，拔步再往远处跑。然而到处都在唱，无隙可乘，许多工夫，大约是那边已经唱完了，这才逐渐显得安静。他找到一家木匠店，去探问公输般的住址。

“那位山東老，造鉤拒的公輸先生麽？”店主是一個黃臉黑須的胖子，果然很知道。“並不遠。"You mean that old fellow from Shandong, Master Gongshu who built the hook-and-ram devices?" The shopkeeper, a fat man with a sallow face and black beard, indeed knew him well. "It's not far at all.你迴轉去，走過十字街，從右手第二條小道上朝東向南，再往北轉角，第三家就是他。”Turn back the way you came, cross the crossroads, take the second lane on your right heading east then south, then turn north at the corner — the third house is his."

“那位山东老，造钩拒的公输先生么？”店主是一个黄脸黑须的胖子，果然很知道。“并不远。你回转去，走过十字街，从右手第二条小道上朝东向南，再往北转角，第三家就是他。”

墨子在手心上寫著字，請他看了有無聽錯之後，這才牢牢的記在心裡，謝過主人，邁開大步，徑奔他所指點的處所。Mozi wrote the words on his palm and had the man check whether he had misheard anything, and only then, having fixed it firmly in his mind, thanked the shopkeeper, took long strides, and headed straight for the place he had pointed out.果然也不錯的：第三家的大門上，釘著一塊雕鏤極工的楠木牌，上刻六個大篆道：“魯國公輸般寓”。Sure enough, it was correct: on the gate of the third house was nailed an exquisitely carved nanmu-wood plaque, on which were engraved six large seal-script characters reading: "Residence of Gongshu Ban of Lu."

墨子在手心上写著字，请他看了有无听错之后，这才牢牢的记在心里，谢过主人，迈开大步，径奔他所指点的处所。果然也不错的：第三家的大门上，钉著一块雕镂极工的楠木牌，上刻六个大篆道：“鲁国公输般寓”。

墨子拍著紅銅的獸環，噹噹的敲了幾下，不料開門出來的卻是一個橫眉怒目的門丁。Mozi rapped the red-copper beast-head knocker, striking it clanging several times, but to his surprise the one who opened the door was a gatekeeper with fierce, scowling brows.他一看見，便大聲的喝道：As soon as he saw Mozi, he shouted loudly:

墨子拍著红铜的兽环，当当的敲了几下，不料开门出来的却是一个横眉怒目的门丁。他一看见，便大声的喝道：

“先生不見客！"The Master is not receiving visitors!你們同鄉來告幫的太多了！”Too many of you fellow-townsmen come here begging for help!"

“先生不见客！你们同乡来告帮的太多了！”

墨子剛看了他一眼，他已經關了門，再敲時，就什麼聲息也沒有。Mozi had only just glanced at him when the man had already shut the door, and when he knocked again, there was no sound at all.然而這目光的一射，卻使那門丁安靜不下來，他總覺得有些不舒服，只得進去稟他的主人。Yet that single glance had left the gatekeeper unable to settle down; he kept feeling somehow uneasy, and had no choice but to go in and report to his master.公輸般正捏著曲尺，在量雲梯的模型。Gongshu Ban was just then holding a carpenter's square, measuring a model of the cloud-ladder.

墨子刚看了他一眼，他已经关了门，再敲时，就什么声息也没有。然而这目光的一射，却使那门丁安静不下来，他总觉得有些不舒服，只得进去禀他的主人。公输般正捏著曲尺，在量云梯的模型。

“先生，又有一個你的同鄉來告幫了……"Master, another fellow-townsman of yours has come to beg for help...這人可是有些古怪……”門丁輕輕的說。though this one is somewhat odd..." the gatekeeper said quietly.

“先生，又有一个你的同乡来告帮了……这人可是有些古怪……”门丁轻轻的说。

“他姓什麼？”"What's his surname?"

“他姓什么？”

“那可還沒有問……”門丁惶恐著。"I didn't think to ask..." the gatekeeper said, flustered.

“那可还没有问……”门丁惶恐著。

“什麼樣子的？”"What does he look like?"

“什么样子的？”

“像一個乞丐。"Like a beggar.三十來歲。About thirty years old.高個子，烏黑的臉……”Tall, with a dark, swarthy face..."

“像一个乞丐。三十来岁。高个子，乌黑的脸……”

“阿呀！"Ah!那一定是墨翟了！”That must be Mo Di!"

公輸般吃了一驚，大叫起來，放下雲梯的模型和曲尺，跑到階下去。Gongshu Ban started in surprise, cried out, set down the cloud-ladder model and the square, and ran down the steps.門丁也吃了一驚，趕緊跑在他前面，開了門。The gatekeeper, startled in turn, hurried ahead of him and opened the door.墨子和公輸般，便在院子里見了面。And so Mozi and Gongshu Ban met each other there in the courtyard.

公输般吃了一惊，大叫起来，放下云梯的模型和曲尺，跑到阶下去。门丁也吃了一惊，赶紧跑在他前面，开了门。墨子和公输般，便在院子里见了面。

“果然是你。”公輸般高興的說，一面讓他進到堂屋去。"So it really is you." Gongshu Ban said happily, ushering him into the main hall.

“果然是你。”公输般高兴的说，一面让他进到堂屋去。

“你一向好麽？"Have you been well?還是忙？”Or are you still busy?"

“你一向好么？还是忙？”

“是的。"Yes.總是這樣……”Always the same..."

“是的。总是这样……”

“可是先生這麼遠來，有什麼見教呢？”"But sir, coming so far, what instruction do you have for me?"

“可是先生这么远来，有什么见教呢？”

“北方有人侮辱了我，”墨子很沉靜的說。“想托你去殺掉他……”"Someone in the north has wronged me," Mozi said very calmly. "I'd like to entrust you to go and kill him..."

“北方有人侮辱了我，”墨子很沉静的说。“想托你去杀掉他……”

公輸般不高興了。Gongshu Ban was displeased.

公输般不高兴了。

“我送你十塊錢！”墨子又接著說。"I'll give you ten pieces of silver!" Mozi went on to say.

“我送你十块钱！”墨子又接著说。

這一句話，主人可真是忍不住發怒了；At this the host could really no longer hold back his anger;他沉了臉，冷冷的回答道：he set his face grimly and answered coldly:

这一句话，主人可真是忍不住发怒了；他沉了脸，冷冷的回答道：

“我是義不殺人的！”"It is my principle not to kill men!"

“我是义不杀人的！”

“那好極了！”墨子很感動的直起身來，拜了兩拜，又很沉靜的說道：“可是我有幾句話。"That is excellent!" Mozi, deeply moved, straightened up, bowed twice, and then said very calmly again: "But I have a few words to say.我在北方，聽說你造了雲梯，要去攻宋。While I was in the north, I heard that you had built cloud-ladders, intending to attack Song.宋有什麼罪過呢？What crime has Song committed?楚國有餘的是地，缺少的是民。Chu has land to spare, but lacks people.殺缺少的來爭有餘的，不能說是智；To kill what is scarce in order to fight over what is abundant cannot be called wise;宋沒有罪，卻要攻他，不能說是仁；Song has done no wrong, and yet you would attack it — that cannot be called benevolent;知道著，卻不爭，不能說是忠；knowing this, and yet not remonstrating — that cannot be called loyal;爭了，而不得，不能說是強；to remonstrate and not succeed — that cannot be called strong;義不殺少，然而殺多，不能說是知類。to hold that it is wrong to kill the few, and yet to kill the many — that cannot be called understanding the categories of things.先生以為怎樣？……”What does sir think of this?..."

“那好极了！”墨子很感动的直起身来，拜了两拜，又很沉静的说道：“可是我有几句话。我在北方，听说你造了云梯，要去攻宋。宋有什么罪过呢？楚国有余的是地，缺少的是民。杀缺少的来争有余的，不能说是智；宋没有罪，却要攻他，不能说是仁；知道著，却不争，不能说是忠；争了，而不得，不能说是强；义不杀少，然而杀多，不能说是知类。先生以为怎样？……”

“那是……”公輸般想著，“先生說得很對的。”"That is..." Gongshu Ban pondered, "what you say, sir, is quite right."

“那是……”公输般想著，“先生说得很对的。”

“那麼，不可以歇手了麽？”"Then, can you not stop this undertaking?"

“那么，不可以歇手了么？”

“這可不成，”公輸般悵悵的說。“我已經對王說過了。”"That cannot be," Gongshu Ban said ruefully. "I have already spoken to the King about it."

“这可不成，”公输般怅怅的说。“我已经对王说过了。”

“那麼，帶我見王去就是。”"Then, simply take me to see the King."

“那么，带我见王去就是。”

“好的。"Very well.不過時候不早了，還是吃了飯去罷。”But it's getting late — you had better eat first before going."

“好的。不过时候不早了，还是吃了饭去罢。”

然而墨子不肯聽，欠著身子，總想站起來，他是向來坐不住的。But Mozi would not listen; leaning forward, he kept trying to rise — he was never one to sit still for long.公輸般知道拗不過，便答應立刻引他去見王；Gongshu Ban, knowing he could not be dissuaded, agreed to take him at once to see the King;一面到自己的房裡，拿出一套衣裳和鞋子來，誠懇的說道：and meanwhile went to his own room, brought out a set of clothes and shoes, and said earnestly:

然而墨子不肯听，欠著身子，总想站起来，他是向来坐不住的。公输般知道拗不过，便答应立刻引他去见王；一面到自己的房里，拿出一套衣裳和鞋子来，诚恳的说道：

“不過這要請先生換一下。"Only I must ask you, sir, to change into these.因為這裡是和俺家鄉不同，什麼都講闊綽的。For it is different here from your homeland — everything here is judged by extravagance.還是換一換便當……”It would be more convenient to change..."

“不过这要请先生换一下。因为这里是和俺家乡不同，什么都讲阔绰的。还是换一换便当……”

“可以可以，”墨子也誠懇的說。“我其實也並非愛穿破衣服的……"That's fine, that's fine," Mozi said, likewise earnestly. "In truth I am not fond of wearing ragged clothes either...只因為實在沒有工夫換……”it's only that I truly had no time to change..."

“可以可以，”墨子也诚恳的说。“我其实也并非爱穿破衣服的……只因为实在没有工夫换……”

四Four

楚王早知道墨翟是北方的聖賢，一經公輸般紹介，立刻接見了，用不著費力。The King of Chu had long known that Mo Di was a sage of the north, and as soon as Gongshu Ban introduced him, received him at once, without any difficulty.

楚王早知道墨翟是北方的圣贤，一经公输般绍介，立刻接见了，用不著费力。

墨子穿著太短的衣裳，高腳鷺鷥似的，跟公輸般走到便殿里，向楚王行過禮，從從容容的開口道：Mozi, wearing clothes far too short for him, looking like a long-legged egret, walked with Gongshu Ban into the side hall, and after paying his respects to the King of Chu, began speaking at his ease:

墨子穿著太短的衣裳，高脚鹭鸶似的，跟公输般走到便殿里，向楚王行过礼，从从容容的开口道：

“現在有一個人，不要轎車，卻想偷鄰家的破車子；"Suppose there is a man who, not wanting a carriage, wishes instead to steal his neighbor's broken-down cart;不要錦繡，卻想偷鄰家的短氈襖；who, not wanting embroidered silks, wishes instead to steal his neighbor's short felt jacket;不要米肉，卻想偷鄰家的糠屑飯：這是怎樣的人呢？”who, not wanting rice and meat, wishes instead to steal his neighbor's chaff and husks: what sort of man is this?"

“现在有一个人，不要轿车，却想偷邻家的破车子；不要锦绣，却想偷邻家的短毡袄；不要米肉，却想偷邻家的糠屑饭：这是怎样的人呢？”

“那一定是生了偷摸病了。”楚王率直的說。"He must have caught a thieving disease," the King of Chu said bluntly.

“那一定是生了偷摸病了。”楚王率直的说。

“楚的地面，”墨子道，“方五千里，宋的卻只方五百裡，這就像轎車的和破車子；"The land of Chu," said Mozi, "measures five thousand li square, while Song measures only five hundred li square — this is like the carriage and the broken-down cart;楚有雲夢，滿是犀兕麋鹿，江漢里的魚鱉黿鼉之多，那裡都賽不過，宋卻是所謂連雉兔鯽魚也沒有的，這就像米肉的和糠屑飯；Chu has the Yunmeng marshes, full of rhinoceroses, elk, and deer, and the fish, turtles, soft-shelled turtles, and crocodiles of the Jiang and Han rivers are so plentiful that nowhere can match them, while Song is said to lack even pheasants, hares, and crucian carp — this is like the rice and meat compared to chaff and husks;楚有長松文梓榆木豫章，宋卻沒有大樹，這就像錦繡的和短氈襖。Chu has tall pines, fine catalpas, elms, and camphor trees, while Song has no great trees at all — this is like the embroidered silks and the short felt jacket.所以據臣看來，王吏的攻宋，和這是同類的。”So as your servant sees it, the King's officers attacking Song is of the same kind as this."

“楚的地面，”墨子道，“方五千里，宋的却只方五百里，这就像轿车的和破车子；楚有云梦，满是犀兕麋鹿，江汉里的鱼鳖鼋鼍之多，那里都赛不过，宋却是所谓连雉兔鲫鱼也没有的，这就像米肉的和糠屑饭；楚有长松文梓榆木豫章，宋却没有大树，这就像锦绣的和短毡袄。所以据臣看来，王吏的攻宋，和这是同类的。”

“確也不錯！”楚王點頭說。“不過公輸般已經給我在造雲梯，總得去攻的了。”"Indeed, quite true!" the King of Chu nodded and said. "But Gongshu Ban has already been building cloud-ladders for me, so I must go and attack it after all."

“确也不错！”楚王点头说。“不过公输般已经给我在造云梯，总得去攻的了。”

“不過成敗也還是說不定的。”墨子道。“只要有木片，現在就可以試一試。”"But whether it succeeds or fails is still uncertain," Mozi said. "So long as there are wooden strips, we may try it out right now."

“不过成败也还是说不定的。”墨子道。“只要有木片，现在就可以试一试。”

楚王是一位愛好新奇的王，非常高興，便教侍臣趕快去拿木片來。The King of Chu was a monarch fond of novelties, and greatly delighted, at once ordered his attendants to hurry and fetch wooden strips.墨子卻解下自己的皮帶，彎作弧形，向著公輸子，算是城；Mozi then undid his own leather belt, bent it into an arc, and, facing Gongshu Ban, let it stand for the city wall;把幾十片木片分作兩份，一份留下，一份交與公輸子，便是攻和守的器具。he divided several tens of wooden strips into two portions, keeping one and handing the other to Gongshu Ban — these were to serve as the instruments of attack and defense.

楚王是一位爱好新奇的王，非常高兴，便教侍臣赶快去拿木片来。墨子却解下自己的皮带，弯作弧形，向著公输子，算是城；把几十片木片分作两份，一份留下，一份交与公输子，便是攻和守的器具。

於是他們倆各各拿著木片，像下棋一般，開始鬥起來了，攻的木片一進，守的就一架，這邊一退，那邊就一招。Thereupon the two of them, each holding wooden strips, began to contend as though playing chess: whenever the attacking strip advanced, the defending one blocked it; when this side withdrew, that side made its move.不過楚王和侍臣，卻一點也看不懂。But the King of Chu and his attendants could not understand any of it at all.

于是他们俩各各拿著木片，像下棋一般，开始斗起来了，攻的木片一进，守的就一架，这边一退，那边就一招。不过楚王和侍臣，却一点也看不懂。

只見這樣的一進一退，一共有九回，大約是攻守各換了九種的花樣。They only saw this advancing and retreating go on nine times in all — apparently attack and defense had each gone through nine different maneuvers.這之後，公輸般歇手了。After this, Gongshu Ban stopped.墨子就把皮帶的弧形改向了自己，好像這回是由他來進攻。Mozi then turned the arc of the leather belt around toward himself, as if this time he were the one attacking.也還是一進一退的支架著，然而到第三回，墨子的木片就進了皮帶的弧線裡面了。It was still the same advancing and retreating and blocking, but by the third round, Mozi's wooden strip had gotten inside the curve of the belt.

只见这样的一进一退，一共有九回，大约是攻守各换了九种的花样。这之后，公输般歇手了。墨子就把皮带的弧形改向了自己，好像这回是由他来进攻。也还是一进一退的支架著，然而到第三回，墨子的木片就进了皮带的弧线里面了。

楚王和侍臣雖然莫明其妙，但看見公輸般首先放下木片，臉上露出掃興的神色，就知道他攻守兩面，全都失敗了。Though the King of Chu and his attendants had no idea what this meant, seeing Gongshu Ban lay down his wooden strip first, with a look of disappointment on his face, they knew that in both attack and defense he had been defeated entirely.

楚王和侍臣虽然莫明其妙，但看见公输般首先放下木片，脸上露出扫兴的神色，就知道他攻守两面，全都失败了。

楚王也覺得有些掃興。The King of Chu, too, felt somewhat disappointed.

楚王也觉得有些扫兴。

“我知道怎麼贏你的，”停了一會，公輸般訕訕的說。“但是我不說。”"I know how to defeat you," Gongshu Ban said sheepishly after a pause, "but I won't say it."

“我知道怎么赢你的，”停了一会，公输般讪讪的说。“但是我不说。”

“我也知道你怎麼贏我的，”墨子卻鎮靜的說。“但是我不說。”"I also know how you would defeat me," Mozi said calmly, "but I won't say it either."

“我也知道你怎么赢我的，”墨子却镇静的说。“但是我不说。”

“你們說的是些什麼呀？”楚王驚訝著問道。"What is it you two are talking about?" the King of Chu asked in astonishment.

“你们说的是些什么呀？”楚王惊讶著问道。

“公輸子的意思，”墨子旋轉身去，回答道，“不過想殺掉我，以為殺掉我，宋就沒有人守，可以攻了。"What Gongshu Ban means," Mozi said, turning around to answer, "is nothing more than that he wishes to kill me, thinking that if I were killed, Song would have no one to defend it, and it could then be attacked.然而我的學生禽滑釐等三百人，已經拿了我的守御的器械，在宋城上，等候著楚國來的敵人。But my disciples Qin Guli and three hundred others have already taken up my defensive implements and are on the walls of the Song capital, waiting for the invaders from Chu.就是殺掉我，也還是攻不下的！”Even if you kill me, you still would not be able to take it!"

“公输子的意思，”墨子旋转身去，回答道，“不过想杀掉我，以为杀掉我，宋就没有人守，可以攻了。然而我的学生禽滑厘等三百人，已经拿了我的守御的器械，在宋城上，等候著楚国来的敌人。就是杀掉我，也还是攻不下的！”

“真好法子！”楚王感動的說。“那麼，我也就不去攻宋罷。”"What an excellent scheme!" the King of Chu said, moved. "Well then, I too shall not attack Song after all."

“真好法子！”楚王感动的说。“那么，我也就不去攻宋罢。”

五Five

墨子說停了攻宋之後，原想即刻回往魯國的，但因為應該換還公輸般借他的衣裳，就只好再到他的寓里去。After Mozi had put a stop to the attack on Song, he had originally intended to return to Lu at once, but since he ought to return the borrowed clothes to Gongshu Ban, he had no choice but to go once more to his lodging.時候已是下午，主客都很覺得肚子餓，主人自然堅留他吃午飯——或者已經是夜飯，還勸他宿一宵。By then it was already afternoon, and both host and guest felt quite hungry; the host naturally insisted on keeping him for the midday meal — or perhaps by then it was already the evening meal — and even urged him to stay the night.

墨子说停了攻宋之后，原想即刻回往鲁国的，但因为应该换还公输般借他的衣裳，就只好再到他的寓里去。时候已是下午，主客都很觉得肚子饿，主人自然坚留他吃午饭——或者已经是夜饭，还劝他宿一宵。

“走是總得今天就走的，”墨子說。“明年再來，拿我的書來請楚王看一看。”"I really must leave today," Mozi said. "Next year I'll come again, and bring my writings for the King of Chu to look over."

“走是总得今天就走的，”墨子说。“明年再来，拿我的书来请楚王看一看。”

“你還不是講些行義麽？”公輸般道。“勞形苦心，扶危濟急，是賤人的東西，大人們不取的。"Aren't you just going to preach righteousness again?" said Gongshu Ban. "Wearing out the body and troubling the mind, aiding the endangered and rescuing the urgent — that's the business of lowly folk; great men have no use for it.他可是君王呀，老鄉！”But he is a king, after all, old fellow!"

“你还不是讲些行义么？”公输般道。“劳形苦心，扶危济急，是贱人的东西，大人们不取的。他可是君王呀，老乡！”

“那倒也不。"That's not so, either.絲麻米谷，都是賤人做出來的東西，大人們就都要。Silk and hemp, rice and grain — these are all things made by lowly folk, and yet great men all want them.何況行義呢。”How much more so with the practice of righteousness."

“那倒也不。丝麻米谷，都是贱人做出来的东西，大人们就都要。何况行义呢。”

“那可也是的，”公輸般高興的說。“我沒有見你的時候，想取宋；"That's true enough too," Gongshu Ban said cheerfully. "Before I had seen you, I wanted to take Song;一見你，即使白送我宋國，如果不義，我也不要了……”once I saw you, even if Song were given to me for nothing, if it were unrighteous, I would no longer want it..."

“那可也是的，”公输般高兴的说。“我没有见你的时候，想取宋；一见你，即使白送我宋国，如果不义，我也不要了……”

“那可是我真送了你宋國了。”墨子也高興的說。“你如果一味行義，我還要送你天下哩！”"Well then, I really have given you the state of Song." Mozi too said cheerfully. "If you go on practicing righteousness without wavering, I'll go so far as to give you the whole world!"

“那可是我真送了你宋国了。”墨子也高兴的说。“你如果一味行义，我还要送你天下哩！”

當主客談笑之間，午餐也擺好了，有魚，有肉，有酒。As host and guest talked and laughed together, the midday meal was also set out — there was fish, there was meat, there was wine.墨子不喝酒，也不吃魚，只吃了一點肉。Mozi did not drink wine, nor did he eat fish; he ate only a little meat.公輸般獨自喝著酒，看見客人不大動刀匕，過意不去，只好勸他吃辣椒：Gongshu Ban drank wine by himself, and seeing that his guest scarcely touched his knife and spoon, felt uneasy, and could only urge him to eat some chili instead:

当主客谈笑之间，午餐也摆好了，有鱼，有肉，有酒。墨子不喝酒，也不吃鱼，只吃了一点肉。公输般独自喝著酒，看见客人不大动刀匕，过意不去，只好劝他吃辣椒：

“請呀請呀！”他指著辣椒醬和大餅，懇切的說，“你嘗嘗，這還不壞。"Do have some, do have some!" he said, pointing at the chili paste and the flatcakes, earnestly. "Do try it, it's really not bad.大蔥可不及我們那裡的肥……”Though the scallions here aren't as plump as ours back home..."

“请呀请呀！”他指著辣椒酱和大饼，恳切的说，“你尝尝，这还不坏。大葱可不及我们那里的肥……”

公輸般喝過幾杯酒，更加高興了起來。After a few cups of wine, Gongshu Ban grew even more cheerful.

公输般喝过几杯酒，更加高兴了起来。

“我舟戰有鉤拒，你的義也有鉤拒麽？”他問道。"In naval warfare I have the hook-and-block; does your righteousness also have a hook-and-block?" he asked.

“我舟战有钩拒，你的义也有钩拒么？”他问道。

“我這義的鉤拒，比你那舟戰的鉤拒好。”墨子堅決的回答說。“我用愛來鉤，用恭來拒。"This hook-and-block of my righteousness is better than that hook-and-block of your naval warfare," Mozi answered firmly. "I hook with love, and block with respect.不用愛鉤，是不相親的，不用恭拒，是要油滑的，不相親而又油滑，馬上就離散。Without love to hook with, people are not drawn close; without respect to block with, people grow slick and glib; and being neither close nor sincere, but glib, they part ways at once.所以互相愛，互相恭，就等於互相利。So mutual love and mutual respect amount to mutual benefit.現在你用鉤去鉤人，人也用鉤來鉤你，你用拒去拒人，人也用拒來拒你，互相鉤，互相拒，也就等於互相害了。Now, if you use a hook to hook others, others will use a hook to hook you back; if you use a block to block others, others will use a block to block you back; hooking each other and blocking each other amounts to mutually harming one another.所以我這義的鉤拒，比你那舟戰的鉤拒好。”That is why this hook-and-block of my righteousness is better than that hook-and-block of your naval warfare."

“我这义的钩拒，比你那舟战的钩拒好。”墨子坚决的回答说。“我用爱来钩，用恭来拒。不用爱钩，是不相亲的，不用恭拒，是要油滑的，不相亲而又油滑，马上就离散。所以互相爱，互相恭，就等于互相利。现在你用钩去钩人，人也用钩来钩你，你用拒去拒人，人也用拒来拒你，互相钩，互相拒，也就等于互相害了。所以我这义的钩拒，比你那舟战的钩拒好。”

“但是，老鄉，你一行義，可真幾乎把我的飯碗敲碎了！”公輸般碰了一個釘子之後，改口說，但也大約很有了一些酒意：他其實是不會喝酒的。"But, old fellow, this righteousness of yours has very nearly smashed my rice bowl!" said Gongshu Ban, having hit a snag, changing his tone — though by now he was also rather much under the influence of the wine, for in truth he could not hold his liquor.

“但是，老乡，你一行义，可真几乎把我的饭碗敲碎了！”公输般碰了一个钉子之后，改口说，但也大约很有了一些酒意：他其实是不会喝酒的。

“但也比敲碎宋國的所有飯碗好。”“可是我以後只好做玩具了。"But that is still better than smashing every rice bowl in the whole state of Song." "Well, from now on I suppose I'll just have to make toys.老鄉，你等一等，我請你看一點玩意兒。”Old fellow, wait a moment, let me show you something amusing."

“但也比敲碎宋国的所有饭碗好。”“可是我以后只好做玩具了。老乡，你等一等，我请你看一点玩意儿。”

他說著就跳起來，跑進後房去，好像是在翻箱子。So saying, he leapt up and ran into the back room, apparently rummaging through a chest.不一會，又出來了，手裡拿著一隻木頭和竹片做成的喜鵲，交給墨子，口裡說道：In a little while he came out again, holding in his hand a magpie made of wood and bamboo strips, which he handed to Mozi, saying:

他说著就跳起来，跑进后房去，好像是在翻箱子。不一会，又出来了，手里拿著一只木头和竹片做成的喜鹊，交给墨子，口里说道：

“只要一開，可以飛三天。"Just wind it once, and it can fly for three days.這倒還可以說是極巧的。”This, at least, one might call the height of cleverness."

“只要一开，可以飞三天。这倒还可以说是极巧的。”

“可是還不及木匠的做車輪，”墨子看了一看，就放在席子上，說。“他削三寸的木頭，就可以載重五十石。"But it still doesn't compare to a carpenter's making a cartwheel," Mozi said, after glancing at it, setting it down on the mat. "He shapes a piece of wood three inches thick, and it can bear a load of fifty piculs.有利於人的，就是巧，就是好，不利於人的，就是拙，也就是壞的。”What benefits others is skillful, is good; what does not benefit others is clumsy, and that is bad as well."

“可是还不及木匠的做车轮，”墨子看了一看，就放在席子上，说。“他削三寸的木头，就可以载重五十石。有利于人的，就是巧，就是好，不利于人的，就是拙，也就是坏的。”

“哦，我忘記了，”公輸般又碰了一個釘子，這才醒過來。“早該知道這正是你的話。”"Oh, I had forgotten," said Gongshu Ban, hitting yet another snag, only now coming to his senses. "I should have known this is exactly the sort of thing you would say."

“哦，我忘记了，”公输般又碰了一个钉子，这才醒过来。“早该知道这正是你的话。”

“所以你還是一味的行義，”墨子看著他的眼睛，誠懇的說，“不但巧，連天下也是你的了。"So if you go on practicing righteousness without wavering," Mozi said, looking him in the eye, earnestly, "not only will you have skill, but the whole world will be yours as well.真是打擾了你大半天。I have truly imposed on you for the better part of a day.我們明年再見罷。”Let us meet again next year."

“所以你还是一味的行义，”墨子看著他的眼睛，诚恳的说，“不但巧，连天下也是你的了。真是打扰了你大半天。我们明年再见罢。”

墨子說著，便取了小包裹，向主人告辭；So saying, Mozi picked up his small bundle and took his leave of his host;公輸般知道他是留不住的，只得放他走。Gongshu Ban, knowing he could not be kept, had no choice but to let him go.送他出了大門之後，回進屋裡來，想了一想，便將雲梯的模型和木鵲都塞在後房的箱子里。Having seen him out through the main gate, he went back inside, thought for a moment, and then stuffed both the model cloud-ladder and the wooden magpie into a chest in the back room.

墨子说著，便取了小包裹，向主人告辞；公输般知道他是留不住的，只得放他走。送他出了大门之后，回进屋里来，想了一想，便将云梯的模型和木鹊都塞在后房的箱子里。

墨子在歸途上，是走得較慢了，一則力乏，二則腳痛，三則乾糧已經吃完，難免覺得肚子餓，四則事情已經辦妥，不像來時的匆忙。On his way home, Mozi walked rather more slowly — first, because he was worn out; second, because his feet ached; third, because his dry rations had already run out, so that he could not help feeling hungry; and fourth, because the matter had already been settled, and there was no need for the haste of his coming journey.然而比來時更晦氣：一進宋國界，就被搜檢了兩回；Yet his luck was worse than on the way there: no sooner had he entered the borders of Song than he was searched twice;走近都城，又遇到募捐救國隊，募去了破包袱；drawing near the capital, he ran into a team collecting donations to save the nation, who took away his ragged bundle;到得南關外，又遭著大雨，到城門下想避避雨，被兩個執戈的巡兵趕開了，淋得一身濕，從此鼻子塞了十多天。and reaching the area outside the South Gate, he was caught in a heavy downpour, and when he tried to take shelter under the city gate, he was driven off by two spear-bearing sentries, so that he was soaked through — and from that his nose stayed stuffed up for over ten days.

墨子在归途上，是走得较慢了，一则力乏，二则脚痛，三则干粮已经吃完，难免觉得肚子饿，四则事情已经办妥，不像来时的匆忙。然而比来时更晦气：一进宋国界，就被搜检了两回；走近都城，又遇到募捐救国队，募去了破包袱；到得南关外，又遭著大雨，到城门下想避避雨，被两个执戈的巡兵赶开了，淋得一身湿，从此鼻子塞了十多天。

一九三四年八月August, 1934