Page 77 - 《孟子》（一）中·英对照版
P. 77
梁
惠
王
上
ruler will regulate the livelihood of the people, so as
to make sure that, for those above them, they shall
have sufficient wherewith to serve their parents,
and, for those below them, sufficient wherewith to
support their wives and children; that in good years
they shall always be abundantly satisfied, and that in
bad years they shall escape the danger of perishing.
After this he may urge them, and they will proceed
to what is good, for in this case the people will follow
after it with ease. Now, the livelihood of the people
is so regulated, that, above, they have not sufficient
wherewith to serve their parents, and, below, they
have not sufficient wherewith to support their wives
and children. Notwithstanding good years, their
lives are continually embittered, and, in bad years,
they do not escape perishing. In such circumstances
they only try to save themselves from death, and
are afraid they will not succeed. What leisure have
they to cultivate propriety and righteousness? If
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