A Meditation on Reading the Analects
Ruler's character, wind-like;
subject's character, grass-like:
wind blows, grass bends.
Prince to be prince,
minister, minister:
that is government.
To remember, not tiring,
to practice, not turning:
that is government.
To accept wise counsel,
to exalt the virtuous:
that is government.
To bless the near,
to lure the far:
that is government.
Not to rush, not to niggle,
to pardon with ease:
that is government.
To stand, the star
on which all stars turn:
that is government.
Not to govern oneself
is to fail to govern:
no government, no government.
