(From “The Sayings of Mencius”)
(Chinese classic, B.C. 300)
King Hwuy of Leang said, “I wish quietly to receive your instructions.” Mencius replied, ”Is there any difference between killing a man with a stick, and with a sword?“ ”There is not,“ was the answer.
Mencius continued, “Is there any difference between doing it with a sword and with government measures?” “There is not,” was the answer again.
Mencius then said, “In your stalls there are fat beasts; in your stables there are fat horses. But your people have the look of hunger, and in the fields are those who have died of famine. This is leading on beasts to devour men. Beasts devour one another, and men hate them for doing so. When he who is called the parent of the people conducts his government so as to be chargeable with leading on beasts to devour men, where is that parental relation to the people?”
Rebuking a Tyrant
By Sadi
(Persian poet, A.D. 1200)
In a certain year I was sitting retired in the great mosque at Damascus, at the head of the tomb of Yahiya the prophet (on whom be peace!). One of the kings of Arabia, who was notorious for his injustice, happened to come on a pilgrimage, and having performed his devotions, he uttered the following words: “The poor and the rich are servants of this earth, and those who are richest have the greatest wants.” He then looked towards me, and said, “Because dervishes are strenuous and sincere in their commerce with heaven, unite your prayers with mine, for I am in dread of a powerful enemy.”