Verse 1-Analects of Confucius Chapter 20
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Verse 1 of Analects of Confucius Chapter 20
English: Yao said:"Oh, Shun. The decree of heaven has fallen on to you. Hold it truly. If the Empire is reduced to dire straits, heaven will remove your honors forever." This warning was also given to Yu by Shun. "I, Lu, the little one, dare to offer a black bull and to make this declaration before the great Lord. I dare not pardon those who have transgressed. I do not cover those that are working for you for the choice is yours. If I sin, please spare the thousands everywhere. If the thousands have sinned then let that sin be mine." The Zhou Dynasty was blessed with many altruistic men. King Wu of Zhou said"Even close relatives are not equal to benevolent men. If the people have faults, let it solely be mine." During the start of the Zhou Dynasty, weights and measures are closely monitored, laws and policies are closely scrutinized, abandoned official posts are reinstated and the policies start to work. Restore states that are ruined, revive lines that had died away, appoint those that have kept away from public office, and the hearts of the commoners will be yours. Food for people, mourning and sacrificial offerings are important. Be generous and you will receive the support of people. With integrity, you will be given important appointment, hardworking and you can accomplish. and with justice, there is fairness."
Modern: 尧说：“啧啧！你这位舜！上天的大命已经落在你的身上了。诚实地保持那中道吧！假如天下百姓都隐于困苦和贫穷，上天赐给你的禄位也就会永远终止。” 舜也这样告诫过禹。商汤说：“我小子履谨用黑色的公牛来祭祀，向伟大的天帝祷告：有罪的人我不敢擅自赦免，天帝的臣仆我也不敢掩蔽，都由天帝的心来分辨、选择。我本人若有罪，不要牵连天下万方，天下万方若有罪，都归我一个人承担。” 周朝大封诸侯，使善人都富贵起来。周武王说：“我虽然有至亲，不如有仁德之人。百姓有过错，都在我一人身上。”认真检查度量衡器，周密地制定法度，全国的政令就会通行了。恢复被灭亡了的国家，接续已经断绝了家族，提拔被遗落的人才，天下百姓就会真心归服了。所重视的四件事：人民、粮食、丧礼、祭祀。宽厚就能得到众人的拥护，诚信就能得到别人的任用，勤敏就能取得成绩，公平就会使百姓公平。
Original: 尧曰：“咨！尔舜！天之历数在尔躬，允执其中。四海困穷，天禄永终。” 舜亦以命禹。曰：“予小子履敢用玄牡，敢昭告于皇皇后帝：有罪不敢赦。帝臣不蔽，简在帝心。朕躬有罪，无以万方；万方有罪，罪在朕躬。” 周有大赉，善人是富。“虽有周亲，不如仁人。百姓有过，在予一人。” 谨权量，审法度，修废官，四方之政行焉。兴灭国，继绝世，举逸民，天下之民归心焉。所重：民、食、丧、祭。宽则得众，信则民任焉，敏则有功，公则说。
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