In ancient times, a man of the State of Song picked up a stone in Linzi. He examined it over and over and regarded it as a treasure. He quickly took it home, wrapped it up in dozens of silk layers, then put it in a leather box. But he still felt uneasy, so he covered the box with dozens of boxes.

古代，宋国有个人在临淄拾到了一块石头。他左看右看，认为这是一件宝贝，急忙拿回家去，用丝绢包了起来。包了一层又一层，一连包了几十层，才把它放进皮匣子。但是，他还不放心，在匣子外面又套上匣子，一连套了几十只。

When a man who could identify treasures heard of this, he went at once to this man and asked to have a look at the treasure.

有个识宝的人，一听到这个消息，就马上到他那里，请求看一看这件宝贝。

To be prudent¹, this man of Song took a bath, burned incense², cleansed³ his mind, calmed his mood, and went in for self- cultivation⁴ for seven days. Then be put on ceremonial robes, respectfully took out the box, and carefully took the stone out of the box.

那个宋国人，为了慎重起见，熏香沐浴，清心静气，修养了七天，然后穿上大礼服，恭恭敬敬地请出匣子，小心翼翼地把那块石头从匣子里取出来。

When the man who knew about treasures saw it, he nearly burst into laughter, but quickly covered his mouth with his hand. He whispered close to the other's ear:"This is a piece of stone, as worthless as a tile."

那个识宝的人看了，差一点儿笑出声来，连忙用手捂住了嘴巴，贴近他的耳朵，轻轻地告诉他说:“这是一块石头，跟瓦片一样一钱不值!”

The man of Song thought the man who knew about treasures was envious⁵ of him and trying to cheat him. Much displeased⁶, he said:

宋国人认为这个识宝的人嫉妒他，在骗他，心里很不高兴，他说:

"Merchants always say others' wares⁷ are worthless, and doctors always say patients' illnesses are very serious, so that they themselves can make more money. I will not be fooled!"

“做生意的人，总是把别人的货色说得一钱不值;做医生的人，总是把病人的毛病说得非常危险。这都是为了自己可以多赚几个钱。我可不上这个当!”

Thereafter, he treasured this stone even more, and kept it in a very safe place.

从此，他反而更加珍爱这块石头，把它保管得严严实实。