Page 300 - 《孟子》（三）中·英对照版
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子
to serve a vile prince, nor did he decline a small
office. The courses pursued by those three worthies
were different, but their aim was one. And what was
their one aim? We must answer —‘To be perfectly
virtuous.’ And so it is simply after this that superior
men strive. Why must they all pursue the same
course?”
Kun pursued, “In the time of the duke Mu of
Lu, the government was in the hands of Gongyi,
while Ziliu and Zisi were ministers. And yet, the
dismemberment of Lu then increased exceedingly.
Such was the case, a specimen how your men of
virtue are of no advantage to a kingdom!”
Mencius said, “The prince of Yu did not
use Baili Xi, and thereby lost his state. The duke
Mu of Qin used him, and became chief of all the
princes. Ruin is the consequence of not employing
men of virtue and talents; —how can it rest with
dismemberment merely?”
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