Page:Elementary Chinese - San Tzu Ching (1900).djvu/86

 originally written with 艸 ts'ao grass, arranged vertically, on the left as radical, instead of the modern 手 shou hand (扌 in combination); the archaic form of the latter would be thus closely imitated.]

Ming is an ideogram composed of 口 k'ou mouth as radical, with 令 ling an order. It means to cause to act, to employ; also later, divine commands, destiny. [The Oaths consisted of addresses to officials, calling for assistance and usually promising rewards and threatening punishment. The Charges were what the name implies, delivered to officials at important junctures.]

Shu see.

Chih see.

Ao was originally composed of 宀 mien a shelter as radical, with 釆 pien to distinguish and 廾 kung folded hands below. It originally meant the south-west corner, where the lares were placed. Hence perhaps the modern meanings, retired, mysterious, obscure.

Wo is composed of 戈 ko a spear as radical, and a character on the left which is regarded by some as an old form of 殺 sha to kill.

Chou see.

Kung is said to be composed of 八 pa the back turned on 厶 ssŭ private interests; hence to divide evenly, just, public-spirited, which would be the correct attitude for the ruler of a