Page 132 - 《孟子》（一）中·英对照版

?孟
子

The king said, “O excellent words!”
Mencius said, “Since Your Majesty deems them
excellent, why do you not practise them?”
“I have an infirmity,” said the king. “I am fond
of wealth.”
The reply was, “Formerly, Gong Liu was fond
of wealth. It is said in the Book of Poetry，‘He
reared his ricks, and filled his granaries, He tied up
dried provisions and grain, In bottomless bags, and
sacks, That he might gather his people together,
and glorify his State. With bows and arrows all-
displayed, With shields, and spears, and battle-
axes, large and small, He commenced his march.’
In this way those who remained in their old seat had
their ricks and granaries, and those who marched
had their bags of provisions. It was not till after
this that he thought he could begin his march. If
Your Majesty loves wealth, give the people power
to gratify the same feeling, and what difficulty will

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