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Successors tread in the steps [of their predecessors] in our Zhou. |
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For generations there had been wise kings; |
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The three sovereigns were in heaven; |
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And king [Wu] was their worthy successor in his capital. |
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King [Wu] was their worthy successor in his capital, |
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Rousing himself to seek for the hereditary virtue, |
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Always striving to accord with the will [of Heaven]; |
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And thus he secured the confidence due to a king. |
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He secured the confidence due to a king, |
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And became a pattern of all below him. |
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Ever thinking how to be filial, |
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His filial mind was the model [which he supplied]. |
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Men loved him, the One man, |
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And responded [to his example] with a docile virtue. |
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Ever thinking how to be filial, |
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He brilliantly continued the doings [of his fathers]. |
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Brilliantly! and his posterity, |
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Continuing to walk in the steps of their forefathers, |
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For myriads of years, |
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Will receive the blessing of Heaven. |
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They will receive the blessing of Heaven. |
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And from the four quarters [of the kingdom] will felicitations come to them. |
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For myriads of years, |
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Will there not be their helpers? |