Of old the Ssŭ-ch`êng[2]
Tzŭ-han was minister to [the ruler of]
Sung.[3]
He said to the Prince of Sung, "Now the peace of a state
and the governance of its people depend on the conduct of the
ruler. Titles and rewards[4]
are what people like. May Your
Highness take charge of them. Executions and punishments are
what the people hate. Let me be responsible for them."
The Prince said, "Agreed. I will get their approval and you
will receive their hatred. I am convinced that I will not be the
laughing-stock of the feudal lords."
When the people of the state knew that the punishments of
death and decapitation were entirely in the hands of Tzŭ-han,
the great ministers were friendly with him and the common people
feared him. Before the year was out, Tzŭ-han had driven out the
Prince of Sung and taken over the government himself. Just as
Lao-tzŭ says,[5]
It is best to leave the fish down in his pool;
Best to leave the State's sharpest weapons where none can see
them.
The Ode says,
[6]
But why does he call us to action,
Without coming and consulting with us?