Chinese and Arabian Literature - E. Wilson - The Search For Mecca

BOOK XX
Extracts from the Book of History
THE Emperor Yau said to Shun, " Ah, upon you, upon
your person, hes the Heaven-appointed order of suc-
cession ! Faithfully hold to it, without any deflection
for if within the four seas necessity and want befall the people,
your own revenue will forever come to an end."
Shun also used the same language in handing down the appointment
to Yu.
The Emperor T'ang in his prayer, said, " I, the child Li, presume
to avail me of an ox of dusky hue, and presume to manifestly
announce to Thee, O God, the most high and Sovereign
Potentate, that to the transgressor I dare not grant forgiveness,
nor yet keep in abeyance Thy ministers. Judgment rests in
Thine heart, O God. Should we ourself transgress, may the
guilt not be visited everywhere upon all. Should the people
"
all transgress, be the guilt upon ourself !
Chow possessed great gifts, by which the able and good
were richly endowed.
" Although," said King Wu, " he is surrounded by his near
relatives, they are not to be compared with men of humane
spirit. The people are suffering wrongs, and the remedy rests
with me—the one man."
After Wu had given diligent attention to the various weights
and measures, examined the laws and regulations, and restored
the degraded officials, good government everywhere
ensued.
He caused ruined States to flourish again, reinstated intercepted
heirs, and promoted to ofifice men who had gone into re-
and the hearts of the people throughout the empire
tirement ;
drew towards him.
Among matters of prime consideration with him were these
food for the people, the duty of mourning, and sacrificial offer-
ings to the departed.
He was liberal and laige-hearted, and so won all hearts ;
92
— ;
true,