The Benevolent Have No Enemies
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
梁惠王曰:‘晋国,天下莫强焉,叟之所知也。及寡人之身,东败于齐,长子死焉;西丧地于秦七百里;南辱于楚。寡人耻之,愿比死者一洒之,如之何则可?’
English translation
King Hui of Liang said, ‘You know that Jin was once stronger than any other state. In my time we have been defeated by Qi in the east, where my eldest son died; we have lost seven hundred li of land to Qin in the west; and we have suffered humiliation from Chu in the south. I am ashamed and wish to redress these defeats for those who died. How can I do it?’
Original Chinese text
孟子对曰:‘地方百里,而可以王。王如施仁政于民,省刑罚,薄税敛,深耕易耨;’
English translation
Mencius replied, ‘Even a territory a hundred li square can become the basis for kingly rule. If Your Majesty governs the people humanely, reduces punishments, lightens taxes, and lets them plow deeply and weed carefully,’
Original Chinese text
‘壮者以暇日修其孝悌忠信,入以事其父兄,出以事其长上;可使制梃以挞秦楚之坚甲利兵矣。’
English translation
‘the able-bodied can use their free days to cultivate respect for parents and elder siblings, loyalty, and trustworthiness. At home they will serve their fathers and elder brothers; outside, they will serve their elders. Such people could stand against the armored forces of Qin and Chu even with wooden clubs.’
Original Chinese text
‘彼夺其民时,使不得耕耨以养其父母。父母冻饿,兄弟妻子离散。彼陷溺其民,王往而征之,夫谁与王敌?’
English translation
‘Those rulers take away their people's farming time, leaving them unable to cultivate their fields and support their parents. Parents freeze and starve; brothers, wives, and children are scattered. They drive their people into misery. If Your Majesty marched against them, who would fight for them against you?’
Original Chinese text
‘故曰:‘仁者无敌。’王请勿疑。’
English translation
‘That is why it is said, “One who rules humanely has no match.” Your Majesty, do not doubt it.’