Citation |
PG-P.738.004
14-21 Mar 1738:21 (484)
[At end of the "Continuation of the Morals of Confucius."
In speaking of the Emperor Yoa:]
Yoa has all the excellent qualities desirable in a Prince;
his riches made him not proud; his extraction which was so
noble and illustrious, puffed him not up with arrogancy. He
was virtuous, sincere, and kind without affectation. His
palace table, apparel, and furniture discover'd the greatest
moderation that ever was seen. He delighted in musick; but
it was a grave, modest and pious musick, he detested nothing
so much as songs wherein modesty and civility were blemisht.
'Twas not a capricious humour that made him dislike these
sort of song, 'twas the desire he had of rendring himself in
all things pleasing unto heaven. 'Twas not avarice that
produc'd in him that moderation which he observed in his
table, apparel, furniture and every thing else. It was only
the love he bore to those that were in want, for he only
design'd to relieve them. 'Twas also his great piety, and
that ardent charity wherewith he burn'd, which made him
frequently to utter these admirable words, 'The famine of my
people is my own famine. My people's sin is my own sin.'
(To be continued)
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