说苑/大功之效，在於用賢積道，浸章浸明；衰滅之過，在於得意而怠，浸蹇浸亡：晉文公是其效也。

大功之效，在於用賢積道，浸章浸明；衰滅之過，在於得意而怠，浸蹇浸亡：晉文公是其效也。

Eric Henry

The realization of great deeds lies in the use of worthy people and the accumulation of methods, leading gradually to ever greater distinction. The way to decline and ruin lies in self-satisfaction and laziness, leading to gathering difficulty and destruction. The career of Lord Wen of Jin45 shows these principles in operation. When Lord Wen went into exile, he cultivated the Way and was able eventually to come into possession of his state.

晉文公出亡，修道不休，得至於饗國。

Eric Henry

When he came into possession of his state, no enlightened Son of Heaven reigned above and no worthy leader of the lords prevailed below.

饗國之時，上無明天子，下無賢方伯，強楚主會，諸侯背畔，天子失道，出居於鄭。

Eric Henry

Mighty Chu took over the leadership of multistate conferences, the lords fell away from their allegiance to the house of Zhou, and the Son of Heaven lost the Way and went to reside in Zheng.

文公於是憫中國之微，任咎犯、先軫、陽處父，畜愛百姓，厲養戎士。

Eric Henry

Indignant at the weakened condition of the Central States, Lord Wen gave positions to Jiu Fan, Xian Zhen, and Yang Chu-fu; cared for the many clans; and trained warriors.

四年，政治內定，則舉兵而伐衛，執曹伯，還敗強楚，威震天下。

Eric Henry

In four years, when his internal administration was in order, he raised an army and attacked Wei, seized the count of Cao, and imposed defeat on mighty Chu.

明王法，率諸侯而朝天子，莫敢不聽，天下曠然平定，周室尊顯。

Eric Henry

The majesty of these accomplishments shook all the realm.

故曰，大功之效，在於用賢積道，浸章浸明。

Eric Henry

Then, making the royal authority clear to all, he led the lords in paying court to the Son of Heaven. None dared disregard him, the realm was reduced to all-embracing order, and the house of Zhou was held in honor.

Eric Henry

Thus, it is said that “the realization of great deeds lies in the use of worthy people and in the accumulation of methods, leading gradually to ever greater distinction.