Page 117 - 《孟子》(二)中·英对照版
P. 117

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intercommunication of the productions of labour, and
an interchange of men’s services, so that one from
his overplus may supply the deficiency of another,
then husbandmen will have a superfluity of grain,
and women will have a superfluity of cloth. If you
have such an interchange, carpenters and carriage-
wrights may all get their food from you. Here now is
a man, who, at home, is filial, and abroad, respectful
to his elders; who watches over the principles of the
ancient kings, awaiting the rise of future learners:
—and yet you will refuse to support him. How is it
that you give honour to the carpenter and carriage-
wright, and slight him who practises benevolence
and righteousness?”

      Peng Geng said, “The aim of the carpenter and
carriage-wright is by their trades to seek for a living.
Is it also the aim of the superior man in his practice
of principles thereby to seek for a living?”

      “What have you to do,” returned Mencius,

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