Confucius said, "Of old, when he served King Wên, the Duke
of Chou had nothing arbitrary about his conduct and nothing
self-willed about the affairs he managed. It was as though his
body could not bear [the weight of] his clothes, or his mouth could
not utter words, [so difFIDent he was]. When he respectfully
received anything direct from [King Wên], he was cautious as
though [he feared] he would drop it. It can be said that he was
[able to act like] a son.
[2]
When King Wu died, King Ch`êng being
young, the Duke of Chou took over the work of [Kings] Wên and
Wu. He occupied the place of the Son of Heaven
[3]
and controlled
the government of the empire,
[4]
took measures against the disturbances
among the barbarians and punished [the Princes of]
Kuan and Ts`ai for their crimes.
[5]
Holding King Ch`êng in his
arms, he received homage from the feudal lords. Concerning
punishments and rewards, laws and judgments, he never consulted
[the young king]. His prestige shook Heaven and Earth, his
gestures terrified the empire. It can be said that he was able to be
martial. When King Ch`êng gained his majority, the Duke of
Chou turned the rule over to him, and, facing north, served him.
He asked permission before acting and never had the air of
boasting. It can be said that he was able to be a subject.
[6]
Truly
one capable of three transformations in his own person is able
to adapt himself to changing times." The Ode says,
[7]
When he carries it out to the left, to the left,
The superior man performs it as it should be done.
When he carries it out to the right, to the right,[8]
The superior man is [complete] master of it.[9]
