Tsze-chang said, "What is meant by being beneficent without great expenditure?"

子张曰：“何谓惠而不费？”

The Master replied, "When the person in authority makes more beneficial to the people

子曰：“因民之所利

the things from which they naturally derive benefit; is not this being beneficent without great expenditure?

而利之，斯不亦惠而不费乎？

When he chooses the labors which are proper, and makes them labor on them, who will repine?

择可劳而劳之，又谁怨？

When his desires are set on benevolent government, and he secures it, who will accuse him of covetousness?

欲仁而得仁，又焉贪？

Whether he has to do with many people or few, or with things great or small,

君子无众寡，无小大，

he does not dare to indicate any disrespect; is not this to maintain a dignified ease without any pride?

无敢慢，斯不亦泰而不骄乎？

He adjusts his clothes and cap, and throws a dignity into his looks,

君子正其衣冠，尊其瞻视，

so that, thus dignified, he is looked at with awe; is not this to be majestic without being fierce?"

俨然人望而畏之，斯不亦威而不猛乎？”