Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 3.djvu/502

 a pattern to (all within) the four seas :—this is the filial piety of the Son of Heaven.

It is said in (the Marquis of) Fû on Punishments ,

'The One man will have felicity, and the millions of the People will depend on (what ensures his happiness).'

Above others, and yet free from pride, they dwell on high, without peril; adhering to economy, and carefully observant of the rules and laws, they are full, without overflowing. To dwell on high without peril is the way long to preserve nobility; to be full without overflowing is the way long to preserve riches. When their riches and nobility do not leave their persons, then they are able to preserve the altars of their land and grain, and to secure the harmony of their people and men in office :—this is the filial piety of the princes of states.