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民不畏死，
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If people do not fear death, |
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奈何以死惧之？
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How can you use death to frighten them? |
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若使民常畏死，
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If people always fear dying, |
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而为奇者，
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And someone dares to break the law, |
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吾得执而杀之，
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Who can seize and kill them? |
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孰敢？
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Who would dare? |
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常有司杀者杀。
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There is always an official executioner. |
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夫代司杀者杀，
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If you take the executioner's place, |
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是谓代大匠斲者，
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It is like replacing the master carpenter, |
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希有不伤其手矣。
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You will rarely avoid hurting your hand. |