Lun Yu – Les Entretiens de Confucius

Le Maître dit : « Les rites, toujours les rites ! Veut-on parler seulement des pierres précieuses et des soieries1 ? La musique, encore la musique ! Veut-on parler seulement des cloches et des tambours ? » Les rites exigent avant tout le respect, et la musique a pour objet principal l'harmonie (la concorde). Les pierres précieuses, les soieries, les cloches, les tambours ne sont que des accessoires. (Tchou Hsi)

Couvreur XVII.11.

It is not the external appurtenances which constitute propriety, nor the sound of instruments which constitute music.
The Master said, "'It is according to the rules of propriety,' they say. – 'It is according to the rules of propriety,' they say. Are gems and silk all that is meant by propriety? 'It is music,' they say. – 'It is music,' they say. Are bells and drums all that is meant by music?"

Legge XVII.11.

The Master said, 'Surely when one says "The rites, the rites," it is not enough merely to mean presents of jade and silk. Surely when one says "Music, music," it is not enough merely to mean bells and drums.'

Lau [17:11]