Page 174 - 《孟子》（二）中·英对照版

?孟
子

kingdom. Hence we have the saying: ‘To raise a
thing high, we must begin from the top of a mound
or a hill; to dig to a great depth, we must commence
in the low ground of a stream or a marsh.’ Can
he be pronounced wise, who, in the exercise of
government, does not proceed according to the ways
of the former kings? Therefore only the benevolent
ought to be in high stations. When a man destitute
of benevolence is in a high station, he thereby
disseminates his wickedness among all below him.
When the prince has no principles by which he
examines his administration, and his ministers
have no laws by which they keep themselves in the
discharge of their duties, then in the court obedience
is not paid to principle, and in the office obedience
is not paid to rule. Superiors violate the laws of
righteousness, and inferiors violate the penal laws.
It is only by a fortunate chance that a state in such
a case is preserved. Therefore it is said, ‘It is not the

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