律相感通傳 1.125

1.125

「前引舍利弗事，此乃前開，不見後制，義須綸綜。往者《鷄鳴》之詩，挈壺掌漏刻之官，齊侯無道，官失其守，諸侯來朝，顛倒衣裳，詩人刺之，可不鏡哉！《書》云：『冠雖賤，不可以居下；屨雖貴，不可以居上。』此言雖小，可以況大。古人或詢蒭蕘，伏願仁慈，不以人微廢教也。」

"Regarding the previously cited matter of Śāriputra, that was an earlier dispensation, and did not take account of the later prohibition; their meanings must be integrated. In antiquity, the poem 'Rooster's Crow' referred to the official in charge of the clepsydra water clock: the Marquis of Qi lacked the proper Way, and the official neglected his duties; when the feudal lords came to audience, their robes and garments were reversed, and the poet satirised them. Can one not take this as a mirror? The Book of Documents says: 'Although a cap be lowly, it may not be placed below; although shoes be precious, they may not be placed above.' Though this saying concerns trifles, it can illustrate great matters. The ancients sometimes sought counsel from grass-cutters and firewood-gatherers; I humbly pray that in your benevolence and compassion, you will not cast aside the teaching on account of the lowliness of the person."