Page 238 - 《孟子》（一）中·英对照版

?孟
子

in a low situation. If a prince hates disgrace, the
best course for him to pursue, is to esteem virtue
and honour virtuous scholars, giving the worthiest
among them places of dignity, and the able offices
of trust. When throughout his kingdom there is
leisure and rest from external troubles, let him,
taking advantage of such a season, clearly digest the
principles of his government with its legal sanctions,
and then even great kingdoms will be constrained to
stand in awe of him. It is said in the Book of Poetry,
‘Before the heavens were dark with rain, I gathered
the bark from the roots of the mulberry trees, And
wove it closely to form the window and door of my
nest; Now, I thought, ye people below, Perhaps
ye will not dare to insult me.’ Confucius said, ‘Did
not he who made this ode understand the way of
governing?’If a prince is able rightly to govern his
kingdom, who will dare to insult him? But now the
princes take advantage of the time when throughout

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