Page 155 - 《孟子》（一）中·英对照版

梁
惠
王
下

is an achievement beyond mere human strength. If I
do not take possession of it, calamities from Heaven
will surely come upon me. What do you say to my
taking possession of it?”

Mencius replied, “If the people of Yan will be
pleased with your taking possession of it, then do so.
Among the ancients there was one who acted on this
principle, namely king Wu. If the people of Yan will
not be pleased with your taking possession of it, then
do not do so. Among the ancients there was one who
acted on this principle, namely king Wen. When,
with all the strength of your country of ten thousand
chariots, you attacked another country of ten
thousand chariots, and the people brought baskets
of rice and vessels of congee, to meet Your Majesty's
host, was there any other reason for this but that
they hoped to escape out of fire and water? If you
make the water more deep and the fire more fierce,
they will in like manner make another revolution.”

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