bk. XXXV. SAN NIEN WAN. 393
twenty-five months, after which the mourning of three years comes to an end, will seem to pass as quickly as a carriage drawn by four horses is whirled past a crevice. And if we continue to indulge the feeling, it will prove to be inexhaustible.
7. Therefore the ancient kings determined the proper medium for mourning, and appointed its definite terms. As soon as it was sufficient for the elegant expression of the varied feeling, it was to be laid aside.
8. This being the case, how is it that (in certain cases the mourning lasts) only for a year? The answer is, that in the case of the nearest kindred, there is a break in it at the end of a year.
9. How is that ? The answer is : — The inter- action of heaven and earth has run its round ; and the four seasons have gone through their changes. All things between heaven and earth begin their processes anew. The rules of mourning are intended to resemble this.
10. Then how is it that there are three years' mourning (for a parent) ? The answer is : — From the wish to make it greater and more impressive, the time is doubled, and so embraces two round years.
11. What about the mourning for nine months and the shorter periods? The answer is : — It is to prevent such mourning from reaching (the longer periods).
12. Therefore the three years should be consi- dered as the highest expression of grief in mourning; the three months and five months, as the lowest ; while the year and the nine months are between them. Heaven above gives an example ; earth beneath, a law ; and man between, a pattern. The
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