One day, Tian Rao said to Ai Gong of Lu:

Tian Rao had served Ai Gong, King of the State of Lu, for many years, but he was never appointed to any important position.

"What do you mean?" asked Ai Gong.

Tian Rao replied:

"I am going to leave Your Majesty, and fly high and far to distant places like the swan goose."

Tian Rao paused and then continued:

"Haven't Your Majesty seen a rooster before? It has a red cockscomb on its head and looks very elegant. It has sharp claws on its feet and is of martial bearing. When facing enemies, it is very brave and vigorous and fights to the bitter end. When it fords food, it will call its pals to enjoy together, and is very kind. It keeps watch during the night and crows at dawn, never bungles matters and is very honest. Though the rooster has these five merits, Your Majesty still order your subordinates to cook it for food. Why is that so? Because it is near to Your Majesty."

"As to the swan goose, its one flight covers I,000 li. Sometimes it stops by Your Majesty's pools, and eats your fish and soft-shelled turtles. Sometimes it stops in Your Majesty's fields and pecks your beans and grains. Though it does not have the merits of the rooster, Your Majesty still regard it highly because it is far away from you. Therefore, please permit me to fly high and far to distant places like the swan goose."