Formerly when the [Kingly] Way of the Chou was flourishing,
the Chief of Shao was at court. The officials asked permission to
summon the people of Shao.[2]
The Chief of Shao said, "Alas, for
me alone to put the people to toil—this was not the intention of
our former ruler, King Wên."
Whereupon he came out and betook himself to the people,
hearing cases and giving out judgments between the paths and
dikes of the fields.[3]
The Chief of Shao made his dwelling under
a tree in an exposed place in far-off fields, and the people greatly
rejoiced. The tillers of the fields and those who tended the silkworms
doubled their strength to encourage him. Whereupon the
harvest was great, so that the people had enough and each family
had plenty.
Later on there were arrogant, extravagant officials in power who
did not sympathize with the masses. Taxes and levies became
frequent and numerous. The people were in distress. The seasons
for plowing and caring for the silkworms were missed. At that
time a poet saw the tree under which the Chief of Shao used to
rest and sang in his praise, as the Ode says,[4]
[This] umbrageous[5]
sweet pear tree;—
Clip[6]
it not, hew it not down.
Under it the Chief of Shao rested.
This is illustrated above.