Page 79 - 《孟子》（三）中·英对照版

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they prescribed, or contrary to their principles, he
would neither have given nor taken a single straw.
Tang sent persons with presents of silk to entreat
him to enter his service. With an air of indifference
and self-satisfaction he said, ‘What can I do with
those silks with which Tang invites me? Is it not
best for me to abide in the channelled fields, and
so delight myself with the principles of Yao and
Shun?’ Tang thrice sent messengers to invite him.
After this, with the change of resolution displayed
in his countenance, he spoke in a different style,
— ‘Instead of abiding in the channelled fields and
thereby delighting myself with the principles of Yao
and Shun, had I not better make this prince a prince
like Yao or Shun, and this people like the people of
Yao or Shun? Had I not better in my own person
see these things for myself? Heaven’s plan in the
production of mankind is this: —that they who are
first informed should instruct those who are later

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