English Original
Tian Rao had served Ai Gong, the King of Lu, for many years but was never appointed to a significant position.
One day, Tian Rao said to Ai Gong, "I intend to leave Your Majesty and fly high and far to distant lands, like the wild goose."
"What do you mean?" asked Ai Gong.
Tian Rao replied, "Has Your Majesty never observed a rooster? It bears a red comb upon its head, appearing most elegant. Its feet are armed with sharp claws, giving it a martial bearing. When confronting foes, it fights with bravery and vigor to the very end. Upon finding food, it calls its companions to share, demonstrating kindness. It keeps watch through the night and heralds the dawn with its crow, never failing in its duty—a model of honesty. Though the rooster possesses these five virtues, Your Majesty still orders your servants to cook it for a meal. Why is this? Because it remains close to you."
Tian Rao paused, then continued, "As for the wild goose, it flies a thousand li in a single journey. At times, it alights by Your Majesty's ponds to eat your fish and turtles. At other times, it rests in Your Majesty's fields to peck at your beans and grains. Though it lacks the rooster's merits, Your Majesty holds it in high esteem precisely because it comes from afar. Therefore, I beg your permission to take my leave and fly high and far, like the wild goose."
中文翻译
田饶侍奉鲁哀公多年，却始终未获重用。
一日，田饶对鲁哀公说：“我打算离开大王，像鸿雁那样远走高飞。”
鲁哀公问：“你这是什么意思？”
田饶答道：“大王难道没见过公鸡吗？它头戴红冠，显得十分文雅；脚生利爪，格外英武；面对敌人，敢斗敢拼，勇猛无比；发现食物，便呼唤同伴共享，可谓仁义；夜晚守更，黎明报晓，从不误事，极其诚实。然而，尽管公鸡具备这五种美德，大王仍命下人将它煮了吃。这是为何？只因它近在大王身旁。”
田饶顿了顿，接着说：“至于那鸿雁，一飞便是千里。它时而停在大王的池边，啄食您的鱼鳖；时而栖于大王的田间，啄食您的豆谷。尽管它没有公鸡的长处，大王却十分看重它。这正是因为它来自远方。因此，恳请大王允许我像鸿雁一样，远走高飞。”