〃The dynasty of Han has possessed the empire for years without end。 Formerly Wang Mang rebelled against his sovereign； and Liu Xiu the Founder of Latter Han rose in his wrath and put Wang Mang to death； thus restoring the prerogatives of the great sacrifices to him who rightly exercised them。 Lately Cao Cao； powerful and cruel； slew the Empress； and his crimes cry aloud to Heaven for vengeance。 His son； Cao Pi； carrying evils into every quarter； then seized the scepter。
〃My officials and leaders； regarding the dynasty as having been overthrown； think it fitting that I； Liu Bei； would continue the line。 As successor to my two warrior ancestors； Liu Bang and Liu Xiu； I will punish as Heaven decrees。
〃Fearing lest my virtue be inadequate to the Imperial Throne； I consulted the voices of the people； and all； even the most distant； have said that the mandate of Heaven may not be disobeyed； the great task of my ancestors may not discontinue； the land must have a lord； and they aver the cynosure of all eyes is myself。
〃Now I； respecting the mandate of Heaven and fearing lest the great achievements of Liu Bang and Liu Xiu may be overthrown； have reverently selected this auspicious day to ascend the altar； sacrifice； and announce my assumption of the Imperial Seal in order to fort all the people； rejoice the ancestors of the Dynastic House； and bring eternal tranquillity to all domains。〃
When the reading was ended； and the sacrifice and the prayer； Zhuge Liang； in the name of all those assembled； presented the Imperial Seal。
The Prince received it in both hands； laid it upon the altar； and again declined acceptance； saying； 〃I； Liu Bei； am unfitted。 I pray that another； more able； may be chosen。〃
But Zhuge Liang said； 〃Our lord has s