CHAPTER XIII

1. The duke Wăn of T＇ăng asked Mencius, saying,＇T＇ăng is a small kingdom, and lies between Ch＇î and Ch＇û. Shall I serve Ch＇î? Or shall I serve Ch＇û?＇

2. Mencius replied, ＇This plan which you propose is beyond me. If you will have me counsel you, there is one thing I can suggest. Dig deeper your moats; build higher your walls; guard them as well as your people.In case of attack, be prepared to die in your defence,and have the people so that they will not leave you;—this is a proper course.＇