18.3 齐景公待孔子曰:“若季氏,则吾不能;以季、孟之间待之1。” 曰:“吾老矣,不能用也。”孔子行。

【译文】

齐景公讲到如何对待孔子时说:“像鲁君对待季氏那样来待孔子,我做不到,我以介于季氏和孟氏之间的待遇来对待他。” 后来他又说:“我老了,不能够用他了。”于是孔子离开了齐国。

【YZG解释】

齐景公与群臣商量如何对待孔子时说:“像鲁君对待季氏那样厚待孔子,我无能为力,我以介于季氏和孟氏之间的待遇来对待他。” 后来他又说:“我老了,不能够用孔子这样理想远大的人了。”于是孔子离开了齐国。


【English Translation】

When discussing with ministers on how to treat Confucius, Duke Jing of Qi said: “I am not able to treat Confucius as generously as the monarch of Lu treats the Ji family. I will treat him in a manner that is between Ji family and Meng family1.” Later on, Duke Jing also said: “I am old and cannot use someone like Confucius who has lofty ideals.” Then Confucius left the State of Qi.

【Note】

注释

  1. 季、孟之间:鲁国三卿中,季氏为上卿,位最贵,孟氏为下卿,故有此季、孟之间的说法。 2