eror　set　out　to　destroy　the　land　that　lay　through　the　Three　Gorges；

Failed　he　and　breathed　his　last　in　the　Palace　of　Eternal　Peace；

The　Palace　fair　of　his　thoughts　lay　not　this　side　the　highlands。

Beautiful　chambers　are　vainly　sought　in　his　rural　temple；

Now　are　the　pines　near　his　shrine　nesting　places　for　herons；

Through　the　courts　aged　peasants　saunter；　enjoying　their　leisure；

Nearby　often　is　found　a　shrine　to　this　famous　strategist；

Prince　and　minister's　needs　are　now　but　offerings　in　season。

Thus　died　the　First　Ruler。　All　present　lifted　up　their　voices　and　wept。

The　Prime　Minister　led　the　procession　that　escorted　the　coffin　to　the　capital；　and　the　heir；　Liu　Shan；　came　to　the　outskirts　of　the　city；　as　a　dutiful　son　should；　to　receive　the　remains　with　due　respect。　The　coffin　was　laid　in　the　Great　Hall　of　the　Palace；　wherein　they　lamented　and　performed　the　ceremonies　appointed。　At　the　end　of　these　the　testament　was　opened　and　read：

〃I　first　fell　ill　from　a　simple　ailment。　Other　disorders　followed；　and　it　became　evident　that　I　should　not　recover。

〃They　say　that　death　at　fifty　cannot　be　called　premature。　As　I　have　passed　sixty；　I　may　not　resent　the　call。　But　when　I　think　of　you　and　your　brothers；　I　regret。　Now　I　say　to　you；　strive　and　strive　again。　Do　not　do　evil　because　it　is　a　small　evil；　do　not　leave　undone　a　small　good　because　it　is　a　small　good。　Only　with　wisdom　and　virtue　people　can　be　won。　But　your　father's　virtue　was　but　slender；　and　do　not　imitate。

〃After　my　death　you　are　to　conduct　the　affairs　of　the　state　with　the　Prime　Minister。　You　are　to　treat　him　as　a　father　and　serve　him　without　remissness。　You　and　your　brothers　are　to　seek　instructions。　This　is　my　final　and　simple　mand。〃