“权”和“衡”

“秤”steelyard是中国测定物体重量的器具an instrument to weigh things in a balance， 分为“权”the sliding weight（也叫秤锤）和“衡”the beam（也叫秤杆）两部分。“权衡”常用作比喻，表示衡量judge, measure, weigh、考虑think over, consider，如权衡轻重judge the comparative importance，权衡利弊weigh the pros and cons，权衡得失think over success and failure。

“权”在“衡”中至为关键，所谓“一两拨千斤”Even can a small sliding weight measure a thing heavy enough.。和“权”有关的词语不少：权标fasces，权柄power，权贵influential officials，权门a family of government official，权势power and influence，权术political trickery，权威authority，权欲a lust for power。

“权”颇具诱惑力，有了权就有了一切Power is the only source for everything to have，历来“引无数英雄竞折腰”That is the reason that everyone tries to occupy for ever。有权就是“权贵之人”a man of power and nobility，权衡执掌The authority in his hands，大权独揽have sole power。

如果“权限不清”limitation of authority is not distinct，未免就会出现“权臣欺君”powerful officials insult their king。“权能分开”divide the people’s rights and the powers of the government in a democratic constitution，显然是明智之举It must be a sensible action。”权为民所用，利为民所谋“The power is used for the people and the rights are enjoyed by the people。