The True King, in establishing degrees of virtue[2]
does not pay
honor to those without merit, or give office to those who lack
virtue, or punish those not guilty of crime. He has no worthless
officers at court,[3]
and no parasites[4]
among the people. Thus it
is possible for him to elevate the worthy and employ the able
without over-stepping precedence, as well as to eliminate the cruel
and exclude the overbearing without going to excess in punishments.
The people are understanding, and all know that those
who do good at home are rewarded in court, and those who do
evil in secret are punished in public. Now this is what may be
called establishing degrees; this [makes manifest] the inner power
of the True King. The Ode says,[5]
Brilliant and illustrious is the House of Chou;
He has regulated the positions of the princes.
