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THE LÎ xi.
BK. XLVI.
derived from the human feelings. In affection we have benevolence; in nice distinctions, righteousness; in defined regulations, propriety; and in the consideration of circumstances, knowledge. Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and knowledge;these make up the characteristic attributes of humanity.
4. Where the affection has been great, the mourning worn is deep. On this account the sackcloth with jagged edges is worn for the father for three years : the regulation is determined by affection.
5. In the regulation (of the mourning) within the family circle, the affection throws the (duty of public) righteousness into the shade'. In the regulation (of that which is) beyond that circle, the (duty of public) righteousness cuts the (mourning of) affection short'. The service due to a father is employed in serving a ruler, and the reverence is the same for both :-this is the greatest instance of (the conviction of the duty of) righteousness, in all the esteem shown to nobility and the honour done to the honourable. Hence the sackcloth with jagged edges is worn (also) for the ruler for three years :the regulation is determined by righteousness.
6. The eating after three days; the washing the head after three months; the sacrifice and change of dress at the end of the first year; the not carrying the emaciation to such an extent as to affect life :—these regulations were to avoid doing harm to the living
A son, on his father's death, is exempted from official duties for a time; but this exemption is suspended on occasions of pressing exigency.
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