Gems of Chinese Literature/Kao Ti-Imperial Proclamation

by Gaozu of Han (Kao Ti)

FELLOW-COUNTRYMEN!

You have long groaned under the despotic sway of the Ch‘ins. To complain openly was to incur the penalty of extermination. Even casual words of objection were punished by decapitation of the individual.

Now, it was agreed between myself and the other nobles that whosoever first entered the territory of Ch'in should rule over it. Therefore I am come to rule over you. With you, I further agree upon three laws, viz:―

1. For murder, death.

2. For injury to the person, proportionate punishment.

3. For theft, proportionate punishment.

The remainder of the Ch'in laws to be abrogated.

The officials and people will continue to attend to their respective duties as heretofore. My sole object in coming here is to eradicate wrong. I desire to do violence to no one. Fear not.

My camp is for the moment at Pa-shang. I await the arrival of my colleagues in order to ratify the terms of our agreement.

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