Han shih wai chuan :: :: University of Virginia Library

In scaling taxes and rectifying affairs the king levies a tithe on
fields; at the customs barriers and markets he has inspections, but
no duties; the use of mountains and forests, of lakes and weirs is
limited to certain seasons, but it is not prohibited [entirely];[2]
he inspects[3] the land, and taxes[4] [on the basis of] the quality of
the soil. He has tribute sent according to [the length of][5] the
way it must come. All produce comes without interference in
circulation, so that it may be freely distributed. Those near [the
imperial domain] do not hide their ability, and those far away
are not dissatisfied with their labor. Though a state be secluded
and backward, there is none [of its inhabitants] but will hasten
to serve him and rejoice [in his government]. This is what is

120

meant by a king's scaling taxes and rectifying affairs. The Ode
says,[6]

Gently he spreads his instructions abroad
And all dignities and riches are concentrated in him.

[1]

Condensed from Hsün-tzŭ 5.9a-10a (Dubs 132-3).

[2]

Cf. Mencius 162 (1B/5.3), "The husbandmen [cultivated for the government]
one-ninth of the land; . . . at the passes and in the markets, [strangers] were inspected,
but [goods] were not taxed; there were no prohibitions respecting the ponds and weirs."
Also Li Ki 1.293 (3/3.11), "Anciently the public fields were cultivated by the united
labors of the farmers around them, from the produce of whose private fields nothing
was levied. A rent was charged for the stances in the market-places, but wares were
not taxed. Travellers were examined at the different passes, but no duties were levied
from them. Into the forests and plains at the foot of mountains the people went without
hindrance at the proper seasons." (Legge 1.227.)

[3]

Yang Liang says [OMITTED] means "look at" [OMITTED].

[4]

For [OMITTED] read [OMITTED]. (Chou.)

[5]

Hsün-tzŭ has [OMITTED] after [OMITTED] is "to measure the distance." (Wang
Nien-sun.)

[6]

Shih 641 No. 304/4.