A Short Chronicle

The Book of the Sluggard: A Short Chronicle

Now the place of the man's dwelling was not known, neither was the name of his father's house declared. He cried out unto the multitude, saying, "Behold, I am a sluggard!" and they called his name the Sluggard.

He was by nature idle, and his heart was weak to rule itself. Whensoever weariness of spirit fell upon him, he went forth to play at ball, or did find solace in his hand-held devices and his screens, to make merry. He kept the proverb in his heart, "Contentment is a perpetual feast," yet he labored not upon his tasks until the deep of night, and said in his heart, "It is enough."

When the days of examination drew nigh, he was not afraid, neither was his spirit troubled. He went up to the hall of testing bearing naught but paper, and a pen, and a ruler, and he sat there, gazing into the void. Yet the Lord of Fortune favored him exceedingly: he sat in the chief seat of his assembly, and his name was exalted above his fellows in the land. And they called him Master of Learning, whereat he was sore ashamed.

For he said, "This is not of my own hand, but a chance that hath befallen me." Therefore he set his face to enter the Academy of Zhongshan, that he might seek wisdom. And when he had entered therein, he found there righteous guides and faithful companions; and his portion was goodly in his own eyes, and he was content.

The Testimony: He is yet far from the mark, and must gird up his loins to labor. Verily, there is no praise to be spoken of him.