A Meditation on Reading the Analects
Princely authority, wind-like;
petty authority, grass-like:
wind blows, grass bends.
Self ungoverned,
others ungoverned:
if not here, then not there.
Prince as prince,
minister, minister:
that is government.
Untiringly to remember,
unwaveringly to practice:
that is government.
Promoting the right,
subordinating the crooked:
that is government.
Accepting wise counsel,
exalting good character:
that is government.
Cherishing virtue,
loving law:
that is government.
Blessing the near,
luring the far:
that is government.
Not hasty, not niggling,
pardoning with ease:
that is government.
The unturning star
turning all stars:
that is government.
