【原文】先王不约束，不结纽，约束则解，结纽则绝。故亲不在约束结纽。先王不货交，不列地，以为天下。天下不可改也，而可以鞭棰使也。时也利也。出为之也。…是以能继天子之容。…时者得天，义者得人，既时且义，故能得天与人。《枢言》

 

【汉解】先王在处理国家关系时，既不“约束”，也不“结纽”。约结成束就必然解散，结成绳扣就必然折断。所以，国家亲善不在于“约束”和“结纽”。先王也不用“货交”和“裂地”的办法来治理天下。因为天下各国的既成关系不可轻易改变，只可以用威力统一驾御。合于天时，合于正义，都要去做。…合于天时则得到自然优势，合于正义则得到人的拥护。既占天时，又合正义，这就能把天与人的力量一并掌握起来了

 

【英译】The former kings did not restrain people by treaties or bind then through oaths. They released those restrained by treaties and dissolved the bonds of those bound by oaths. Therefore, when people attached themselves to them, it was not because of restraints or bonds. The former kings also did not engage in the exchange of gifts or carve up territory to grant fiefs in order to maintain control over the realm. However, the realms were inviolable and so the whip could be used to enforce them. Thus whether it be the seasons of Heaven or the benefits of Earth, generation after generation took advantage of them. Those who are timely obtain of Heaven; those who are just obtain the loyalty of men.  Being both timely and just, the former kings were able to obtain the rewards of Heaven and the loyalty of men.