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Ancient Classics -> Shang Shu -> Zhou Shu -> Announcement of the Duke of Shao -> 9

'We should by all means survey the dynasties of Xia and Yin.
I do not presume to know and say,
"The dynasty of Xia was to enjoy the favouring decree of Heaven
just for (so many) years,"
nor do I presume to know and say,
"It could not continue longer."
The fact simply was, that, for want of the virtue of reverence,
the decree in its favour prematurely fell to the ground.
(Similarly), I do not presume to know and say,
"The dynasty of Yin was to enjoy the favouring decree of Heaven
just for (so many) years,"
nor do I presume to know and say,
"It could not continue longer."
The fact simply was, that, for want of the virtue of reverence,
the decree in its favour fell prematurely to the ground.
The king has now inherited the decree
- the same decree, I consider, which belonged to those two dynasties.
Let him seek to inherit (the virtues of) their meritorious (sovereigns).


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