Leaving Bin or Standing Fast

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Duke Wen of Teng asked, ‘Teng is small. Even when we do all we can to serve a great state, we cannot escape its demands. What should we do?’

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius replied, ‘The Great King once lived in Bin. When the Di attacked, he offered hides and silk, but the attacks did not cease. He offered dogs and horses, then pearls and jade; neither offering brought relief.’

Original Chinese text

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‘He gathered the elders and said, “The Di want our land. I have heard that a worthy ruler must not harm people for the sake of what should sustain them. Do not worry that you will be left without a ruler. I shall leave.”’

Original Chinese text

English translation

‘He left Bin, crossed Mount Liang, and founded a settlement below Mount Qi. The people of Bin said, “He is a humane man; we must not lose him.” They followed him in crowds, as people flock to a market.’

Original Chinese text

English translation

‘Others say, “We hold this land in trust through the generations; no one person may decide to abandon it. Stand and defend it even at the cost of life.” Please, my lord, choose between these two courses.’

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