According to tradition, Shun played on the five-string lute,
singing the "Nan-fêng" to it,[2]
and yet the empire was in order.
Duke P`ing of Chou[3]
always had wine within reach, while the
bells and musical stones were not loosened from their support,
and yet the world was likewise in order. But a commoner with
only a hundred mou of land and a single house "has no leisure
to rest,"[4]
nor is there any way for him to change [his condition].
Now the way in which one man keeps in touch with the whole
empire and still has leisure while [the masses] below are under
control, is by getting others to work for him. But when a man
arrogates to himself the authority of ordering others around without
being able to control the masses below, then the person on
the throne is not a man worthy of his position. The Ode says,[5]
In the south is the Sieve,
But it is of no use to sift.
In the north is the Ladle,
But it lades out no liquor.
It speaks of having the position but not fulfilling its duties.
