Shi Kuang said:

Shi Kuang said:

Ping Gong said:

One day, Ping Gong, the King of the State of Jin, said to his minister Shi Kuang:

"I am over 70 years old. Though I "am eager to read some books, I feel it is too late."

"How dare I, a blind minister, make fun of Your Majesty? I heard that when a man in his youth is fond of studying, he is like the rising sun, brilliant and magnificent; when a man in the prime of life is fond of studying, he is like the sun at noon, with still half a day's good time ahead; when a man in his old age is fond of studying, he is like the flame of a candle. Though the light is failing, it is better than groping in the dark."

"Too late? Why don't you light the candle?"

"I am serious. But you go so far as to make fun of me!"

Hearing Shi Kuang's words, Ping Gong of Jin said with pleasure:

"How well you have put it!"