」對曰:「使之以時,而敬順之,忠而愛之,布令信而不食言。
When issuing regulations, make sure to do as you say you will; don’t eat your words.” “To what extent must these principles be observed?” asked King Cheng.
」王曰:「其度安至?
“Observe them as if you were on the edge of a watery abyss, as if you were treading on thin ice,” said Yin Yi.
」對曰:「如臨深淵,如履薄冰。
“That is to be fearful indeed!” said King Cheng.
」王曰:「懼哉!
“Everywhere between heaven and earth and within the four seas,” said Yin Yi, “people will be tame and docile if you deal well with them; but, if you do not deal well with them, they will become your enemies.
」對曰:「天地之間,四海之內,善之則畜也,不善則讎也,夏、殷之臣,反讎桀、紂而臣湯、武,夙沙之民,自攻其主而歸神農氏。
The officers of Xia and Yin rose up against Jie and Zhòu and gave service instead to Tang and Wu.
此君之所明知也,若何其無懼也?」
The people of Susha19 attacked their own ruler and became followers of Shen Nong.
All this is well known to you— how can you not be fearful?