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PT. III. SECT. VII.
THE WRITINGS OF KWANG-BZE.
183
their nobility be arrogant to others; their wealth may be that of the whole kingdom, but they will not in their possession of it make a mock of others. They estimate the evils to which they are exposed, and are anxious about the reverses which they may experience. They think how their possessions may be injurious to their nature, and therefore they will decline and not accept them ;-but not because they seek for reputation and praise.
Yâo and Shun were the sovereigns, and harmony prevailed. It did so, not because of their benevolence towards the people ;—they would not, for what was (deemed) admirable, injure their lives. Shan K'üan and Hsü Yû might have been the sovereigns, but they would not receive the throne ;—not that they declined it without purpose, but they would not by its occupancy injure themselves. These all followed after what was advantageous to them, and declined what was injurious, and all the world celebrates their superiority. Thus, though they enjoy the distinction, they did what they did, not for the sake of the reputation and praise.'
Dissatisfied (continued his argument), saying, *In thus thinking it necessary for their reputation, they bitterly distressed their bodies, denied themselves what was pleasant, and restricted themselves to a bare sustenance in order to sustain their life; but so they had life-long distress, and long-continued pressure till their death arrived.' Know-the-Mean replied, 'Tranquil ease is happiness; a superfluity is injurious :-so it is with all things, and especially it is so, where the superfluity is of wealth. The ears of the rich are provided with the music of bells, drums, flageolets and flutes; and their mouths are
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