The Unicorn
GEMS OF CHINESE LITERATURE
That the unicorn is a spiritual being is beyond all doubt. Hymned in the Odes, immortalised in the Springs and Autumns, it has found a place in the writings of all ages. Women and children alike know that it is a portent of good.
Yet it is reared in no farmyard: it is rarely ever seen throughout the empire’s breadth. It is classed under no species. It is not of normal growth like a horse, ox, dog, pig, panther, wolf, or deer. Even were one to appear now, it would not be recognised for what it is.
We see horns, and say, “That is an ox.” We see a mane, and say, “That is a horse”. And by a similar process we know dogs, pigs, panthers, and deer to be what they are. But the unicorn cannot be known. For the general public to regard it as inauspicious is therefore reasonable enough. On the other hand, for the unicorn to appear, there should be an All-wise in power: it is in token thereof that the unicorn does appear. Then the All-wise recognises the unicorn, and its manifestation comes in due season.
獲麟解
韓愈
峰之為笙陌昭也。時帥於詩。書於春秋。殺出於侮記百家之脅。雖如人小子。皆知其為群也。然歸之第物。京高Hr訣。不懂有於天下。其為形也未額。非若馬牛犬家科們很壞處然。然則雖有戲。不可知其為戲也。角者。吾知其為牛。您看。吾知其篤篤。犬家甜的混血禪度。吾知夫家紛摸摸益。權跨也不可知。不可知。則其謂之不祥也亦宜。雖然。鼓之惱。必有當人在乎位。峰為聖人也位。盤人者必知餒。峰之間咱
不為不解也。叉目。揖恥之所以為傷者。以館不以形若戲之出。不符聖人。則詞之不群也亦宜。
Again, it is said that the unicorn is a unicorn by virtue not of shape, but of Truth, of which it is the material embodiment. But if the unicorn appears before the All-wise is in power, then, to regard its manifestation as inauspicious is all the more reasonable enough.