2. 天子...不给,—see I, Pt. II, iv, 5. 辟=闢,
which was called "Giving a report of office." It was a custom in the spring to examine the ploughing,and supply any deficiency of seed; and in autumn to examine the reaping, and assist where there was a deficiency of the crop. When the emperor entered the boundaries of a state, if the new ground was being reclaimed, and the old fields well cultivated; if the old were nourished and the worthy honored; and if men of distinguished talents were placed in office: then the prince was rewarded,-- rewarded with an addition to his territory. On the other hand, if, on entering a state, the ground was found left wild or overrun with weeds; if the old were neglected and the worthy unhonored; and if the offices were filled with hard taxgatherers: then the prince was reprimanded. If aprince once omitted his attendance at court, he was punished by degradation of rank; if he did so a second time, he was deprived of a portion of his territory; if he did so a third time, the imperial forces were set inmotion, and he was removed from his government.Thus the emperor commanded the punishment, but did not himself inflict it, while the princes inflicted the punishment, but did not command it.