Page 52 - 《孟子》(三)中·英对照版
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?孟
子
sentences, there is that in the ode called The Milky
Way, —‘Of the black-haired people of the remnant
of Zhou, There is not half a one left.’ If it had been
really as thus expressed, then not an individual of
the people of Zhou was left. Of all which a filial
son can attain to, there is nothing greater than his
honouring his parents. And of what can be attained
to in the honouring one’s parents, there is nothing
greater than the nourishing them with the whole
kingdom. Gusou was the father of the sovereign;
— this was the height of honour. Shun nourished
him with the whole kingdom; —this was the height
of nourishing. In this was verified the sentiment in
the Book of Poetry, ‘Ever cherishing filial thoughts,
those filial thoughts became an example to after
ages.’ It is said in the Book of History, ‘Reverently
performing his duties, he waited on Gusou, and was
full of veneration and awe. Gusou also believed him
and conformed to virtue.’ This is the true case of the
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