The Prince Shi
The Duke of Shao acted as Grand Protector, and the Duke of Zhou as Grand Tutor, together assisting King Cheng as his left and right ministers. The Duke of Shao was displeased, so the Duke of Zhou composed the “Prince Shi.” (This passage is not in the original text.)
The Duke of Zhou spoke thus: “Prince Shi, alas! Unfortunate it is! Heaven sent down destruction to Yin; Yin has lost its Heavenly Mandate, and our Zhou has now received it. I dare not say that its foundation will forever be reliably situated in goodness. Just as Heaven assists the trustworthy, I also dare not say that in the end it will surely not bring about misfortune.
“Alas, Prince. You have spoken that this is our affair. I dare not rest easy in the face of God’s command, nor fail to long reflect on Heaven’s majesty, and on our people having no resentments or transgressions. The key lies in human effort. As for our descendants, if they are greatly unable to revere Heaven and Earth above and below, and if they halt and lose the brilliance of their predecessors, then even within the family they will not understand.
“The Heavenly Mandate is not easy to hold; Heaven is difficult to trust. Thus, if one loses the Heavenly Mandate and cannot endure its trials, he cannot continue the work of his predecessors, nor revere the bright virtue.
“Now I, the little child Dan, am not one who can achieve formal accomplishments. I merely guide the brilliance of my predecessors, extending it to our young king.”
He also said: “Heaven cannot be lightly trusted. Our path lies in the continuation of King Ning’s virtue. Heaven will not abandon the mandate received by King Wen.”
The Duke said: “Prince Shi, I have heard that in former times, when Cheng Tang received the mandate, there was a man like Yi Yin, who could communicate with the great Heaven. In the time of Tai Jia, there was one like Bao Heng. In the time of Tai Wu, there were men like Yi Zhi and Chen Hu, who could communicate with God; Wu Xian governed the royal house. In the time of Zu Yi, there was one like Wu Xian. In the time of Wu Ding, there was one like Gan Pan.
“All relied on these men who set forth teachings and guidance, protecting and governing Yin. Thus Yin’s rites ascended to match Heaven, enduring for many years.
“Heaven purely and generously protected the bestowed mandate, so that Yin was enriched. The common people and the royal officials all upheld virtue and clearly understood compassion. Even the minor officials and the vassal domains of the marquis and dian states were like this, let alone the many who hurried about in service. Because these men’s virtues were commensurate, and they governed their lord accordingly, the one man could manage affairs in all directions, like consulting the tortoise shell or yarrow stalks—nothing was untrustworthy.”
The Duke said: “Prince Shi, Heaven caused life to be equitable and smooth, protecting and governing Yin. When it came to Yin’s later successors, Heaven then destroyed and punished them. Now, if you long reflect, there will be a firm mandate, enabling you to clearly govern our newly established state.”
The Duke said: “Prince Shi, in former times, God decreed and repeatedly urged King Ning’s virtue, gathering the great mandate upon him.
“King Wen was also able to cultivate and harmonize our Chinese lands, and there were men like Guo Shu, Hong Yao, San Yisheng, Tai Dian, and Nangong Kuo.
“It is also said: None could fail to walk this path, guiding constant teachings and norms. King Wen did not lower virtue to the people.
“It was also because of pure protection, upholding virtue, and guiding awareness of Heaven’s majesty, that King Wen was made illustrious, guiding his insights upward to God, and thus he received Yin’s Heavenly Mandate.
“King Wu, relying on these four men, was also able to guide blessings and rewards. Later, they followed King Wu, vigorously carrying out Heaven’s majesty, completely annihilating the enemy. It was these four men who made King Wu illustrious, spreading his protection far and wide, and greatly extolling his virtue.
“Now, with me, the little child Dan, it is like crossing a great river. I go forward to cross with you, Shi. The little child Tong is not yet on the throne; you should not blame me. If we gather together those who are not encouraged and lag behind, and if the aged with accomplished virtue do not bestow their principles upon us, then even the chirping birds will not be heard, let alone be able to communicate?”
The Duke said: “Alas, Prince, therefore take these as a mirror. We have received the mandate within our territory; it is good, yet also extremely difficult. I tell you, let your plans be generous, and I will not cause future generations to be confused.”
The Duke said: “The former man unfolded your intentions, entrusting all commands to you, making you a standard for your people, saying: You must be wise and diligent, matching the king, and receive this great mandate in sincerity, pondering King Wen’s virtue, and greatly undertaking endless anxieties.”
The Duke said: “Prince, I set forth my sincerity to you. Grand Protector Shi, if you and I can together be reverent, taking Yin’s ruin and great wickedness as a mirror, and thus reflect on our Heaven’s majesty, I am indeed not merely uttering such warnings. I am saying: Assist us two men—you are in harmony. As for these two men, Heaven’s favor arrives here; if these two men cannot bear the task, it lies in your ability to revere virtue, to make our worthy people illustrious, and to yield the great opportunity to later generations.
“Alas, earnestly assist these two men, and we can achieve today’s goodness. Together we accomplish King Wen’s work without slackening, greatly extending protection to the edge of the sea where the sun rises, so that none are disobedient to service.”
The Duke said: “Prince, I do not wish to add many such warnings; I do so only out of concern for Heaven and the people.”
The Duke said: “Alas, Prince, you know that the virtue of the people cannot lack a good beginning; the key lies in its end. Be reverent in this manner, and go forward to govern carefully.”