"the queen;" of a feudal prince, "the helpmate;" of a Great officer, "the attendant;" of an (inferior) officer, "the serving woman;" and of a common man, "the mate[1]." 19. A duke and (one of) the feudal princes had their helpmate, and their honourable women, (which) were their mates and concubines. The helpmate called herself, before the son of Heaven, "the aged servant;" and before the prince (of another state), "the small and unworthy ruler." To her own ruler she called herself "the small maid." From the honourable women downwards, (each member of the harem) called herself "your handmaid."
7. 20. To their parents, sons and daughters called themselves by their names. A Great officer of any of the states, entering the state of the son of Heaven, was called "the officer of such-and-such (a state)," and styled himself "your subsidiary minister." Outside (his own state), he was called "sir;" and in that state, "the ancient of our poor ruler." A messenger (to any state) called himself "so-and-so."
8. 21. The son of Heaven should not be spoken of as "going out (of his state)[2]." A feudal prince should not be called by his name, while alive. (When either of these things is done), it is because the superior man[3] will not show regard for wickedness. A prince who loses his territory is named, and also one who extinguishes (another state ruled by) lords
of the same surname as himself.
