Page 310 - 《孟子》（一）中·英对照版

?孟
子

the business, I did not venture to put any question
to you. Now, however, I wish to take the liberty to
submit the matter. The wood of the coffin, it appeared
to me, was too good.”

Mencius replied, “Anciently, there was no rule
for the size of either the inner or the outer coffin. In
middle antiquity, the inner coffin was made seven
inches thick, and the outer one the same. This was
done by all, from the sovereign to the common people,
and not simply for the beauty of the appearance, but
because they thus satisfied the natural feelings of their
hearts. If prevented by statutory regulations from
making their coffins in this way, men cannot have
the feeling of pleasure. If they have not the money to
make them in this way, they cannot have the feeling
of pleasure. When they were not prevented, and
had the money, the ancients all used this style. Why
should I alone not do so? And moreover, is there
no satisfaction to the natural feelings of a man, in

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