Page 286 - 《论语》（四）中·英对照版

?论
语

will accuse him of covetousness? Whether he has to
do with many people or few, or with things great or
small, he does not dare to indicate any disrespect; —
is not this to maintain a dignified ease without any
pride? He adjusts his clothes and cap, and throws
a dignity into his looks, so that, thus dignified, he
is looked at with awe; — is not this to be majestic
without being fierce?” Tsze-chang then asked,
“What are meant by the four bad things?” The
Master said, “To put the people to death without
having instructed them; — this is called cruelty. To
require from them, suddenly, the full tale of work,
without having given them warning; — this is called
oppression. To issue orders as if without urgency,
at first, and, when the time comes, to insist on them
with severity; — this is called injury. And, generally,
in the giving pay or rewards to men, to do it in a
stingy way; — this is called acting the part of a mere
official.”

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