Lun Yu – Les Entretiens de Confucius

Il tenait la tablette de jade de son prince1, le corps incliné, comme s'il n'avait pas la force de la soutenir ; il la levait comme pour saluer ; il l'abaissait comme pour en faire offrande. Il avait l'air d'un homme qui tremble de peur. Il levait à peine les pieds en marchant, comme s'il avait cherché à suivre les traces de quelqu'un. En offrant au prince étranger les présents rituels, il avait un air serein. En lui offrant ses propres présents dans une visite particulière, il se montrait encore plus affable.

Couvreur X.5.

Demeanor of Confucius when employed on a friendly embassy.
1. When he was carrying the scepter of his ruler, he seemed to bend his body, as if he were not able to bear its weight. He did not hold it higher than the position of the hands in making a bow, nor lower than their position in giving anything to another. His countenance seemed to change, and look apprehensive, and he dragged his feet along as if they were held by something to the ground.
2. In presenting the presents with which he was charged, he wore a placid appearance.
3. At his private audience, he looked highly pleased.

Legge X.5.

When he held the jade tablet, he drew himself in as though its weight was too much for him. He held the upper part of the tablet as though he was bowing; he held the lower part of the tablet as though he was ready to hand over a gift. His expression was solemn as though in fear and trembling, and his feet were constrained as though following a marked line. When making a presentation, his expression was genial. At a private audience, he was relaxed.

Lau [10:4]