XXXVIII. (The trigram representing) fire above, and that for (the waters of) a marsh below, form Khwei. The superior man, in accordance with this, where there is a general agreement, yet admits diversity.

1 'He meets with bad men (and communicates with them):'—(he does so), to avoid the evil of their condemnation.

2 'He happens to meet with his lord in a byepassage:'—but he has not deviated (for this meeting) from the (proper) course.

3 'We see his carriage dragged back:'—this is indicated by the inappropriateness of the position (of the line).

'There is no (good) beginning, but there will be a (good) end:'—this arises from his meeting with the strong (subject of the topmost line).

4 'They blend their sincere desires together, and there will be no error:'—their (common) aim is carried into effect.

5 'With his hereditary minister (he unites closely and easily) as if he were biting through a piece of skin:'—his going forward will afford ground for congratulation.

6 'The good fortune symbolised by meeting with (genial) rain' springs from the passing away of all doubts.

XXXIX. (The trigram representing) a mountain, and above it that for water, form Kien. The superior man, in accordance with this, turns round (and examines) himself, and cultivates his virtue.

1 'Advancing will conduct to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise:'—the proper course is to wait.

2 'The minister of the king struggles with difficulty on difficulty:'—in the end no blame will be attached to him.

3 'He advances, (but only) to (greater) difficulty; he remains stationary, and returns to his former associates:'—they, (represented in) the inner (trigram), rejoice in him.

4 'To advance will (only be to) encounter (greater) difficulties; he remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above):'—that is in its proper place and has the solidity (due to it in that position).

5 'He struggles with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming (to help him):'—he is in the central position, and possesses the requisite virtue.

6 'To advance will (only) increase the difficulties, while his remaining stationary will (be productive of) great (merit):'—his aim is to assist the (subject of the line) inside of him.

'It will be advantageous to meet the great man:'—by his course he follows that noble (lord of the figure).

XL. (The trigram representing) thunder and that for rain, with these phenomena in a state of manifestation, form Kieh. The superior man, in accordance with this, forgives errors, and deals gently with crimes.

1 The strong (fourth) line and the weak line here are in correlation:—we judge rightly in saying that 'its subject will commit no error.'

2 'The good fortune springing from the firm correctness of the second line, undivided,' is due to its subject holding the due mean.

3 For 'a porter with his burden to be riding in a carriage' is a thing to be ashamed of. 'It is he himself that tempts the robbers to come:'—on whom besides can we lay the blame?

4 'Remove your toes:'—the places (of this line and of the third and first) are all inappropriate to them.

5 When 'the superior man executes his function of removing (whatever is injurious to the idea of the hexagram),' small men will of themselves retire.

6 'A prince with his bow shoots a falcon:'—thus he removes (the promoters of) rebellion.

XLI. (The trigram representing) a mountain and beneath it that for the waters of a marsh form Sun. The superior man, in accordance with this, restrains his wrath and represses his desires.

1 'He suspends his own affairs and hurries away (to help the subject of the fourth line):'—the (subject of that) upper (line) mingles his wishes with his.

2 'It will be advantageous for (the subject of) the second line, undivided, to maintain his firm correctness:'—his central position gives its character to his aim.

3 'One man, walking,' (finds his friend):—when three are together, doubts rise among them.

4 'He diminishes the ailment under which he labours:'—this is matter for joy.

5 'The great good fortune attached to the fifth line, divided,' is due to the blessing from above.

6 'He gives increase to others without taking from what is his own:'—he obtains his wish on a grand scale.

XLII. (The trigram representing) wind and that for thunder form Yi. The superior man, in accordance with this, when he sees what is good, moves towards it; and when he sees his errors, he turns from them.

1 'If the movement be greatly fortunate, no blame will be imputed to him:'—though it is not for one in so low a position to have to do with great affairs.

2 'Parties add to his stores:'—they come from beyond (his immediate circle) to do so.

3 'Increase is given by means of what is evil and difficult:'—as he has in himself (the qualities called forth).

4 'His advice to his prince is followed:'—his (only) object in it being the increase (of the general good).

5 '(The ruler) with sincere heart seeks to benefit (all below):'—there need be no question (about the result). '(All below) with sincere heart acknowledge (his goodness):'—he gets what he desires on a great scale.

6 'To his increase none will contribute:'—this expresses but half the result. 'Many will seek to assail him:'—they will come from beyond (his immediate circle) to do so.

XLIII. (The trigram representing) heaven and that for the waters of a marsh mounting above it form Kwai. The superior man, in accordance with this, bestows emolument on those below him, and dislikes allowing his gifts to accumulate (undispensed).

1 'Without (being able to) succeed, he goes forward:'—this is an error.

2 'Though hostile measures be taken against him, he need not be anxious:'—he pursues the course of the due mean.

3 'The superior man looks bent on cutting off the culprit:'—there will in the end be no error.

4 'He walks slowly and with difficulty:'—he is not in the place appropriate to him.

'He hears these words, but does not believe them:'—he hears, but does not understand.

5 'If his action be in harmony with his central position, there will be no error:'—but his standing in the due mean is not yet clearly displayed.

6 'There is the misery of having none on whom to call:'—the end will be that he cannot continue any longer.

XLIV. (The trigram representing) wind and that for the sky above it form Kau. The sovereign, in accordance with this, delivers his charges, and promulgates his announcements throughout the four quarters (of the kingdom).

1 'Tied and fastened to a metal drag:'—(this describes the arrest of) the weak (line) in its advancing course.

2 'He has a wallet of fish:'—it is right for him not to allow (the subject of the first line) to get to the guests.

3 'He walks with difficulty:'—but his steps have not yet been drawn (into the course of the first line).

4 'The evil' indicated by there being 'no fish in the wallet' is owing to (the subject of the line) keeping himself aloof from the people.

5 'The subject of the fifth line, undivided, keeps his brilliant qualities concealed:'—as is indicated by his central and correct position.

'(The good issue) descends (as) from God:'—his aim does not neglect the ordinances (of God).

6 'He receives others on his horns:'—he is exhausted at his greatest height, and there will be cause for regret.

XLV. (The trigram representing the) earth and that for the waters of a marsh raised above it form Zhui. The superior man, in accordance with this, has his weapons of war put in good repair, to be prepared against unforeseen contingencies.

1 'In consequence disorder is brought into the sphere of his union:'—his mind and aim are thrown into confusion.

2 'He is led forward; there will be good fortune, and freedom from error:'—(the virtue proper to) his central place has not undergone any change.

3 'If he go forward, he will not err:'—in the subject of the topmost line there is humility and condescension.

4 'If he be grandly fortunate, he will receive no blame:'—(this condition is necessary, because) his position is not the one proper to him.

5 'There is the union (of all) under him in the place of dignity:'—(but) his mind and aim have not yet been brilliantly displayed.

6 'He sighs and weeps:'—he does not yet rest in his topmost position.

XLVI. (The trigram representing) wood and that for the earth with the wood growing in the midst of it form Shang. The superior man, in accordance with this, pays careful attention to his virtue, and accumulates the small developments of it till it is high and great.

1 'He is welcomed in his advance upwards, and there will be great good fortune:'—(the subjects of) the upper (trigram) are of the same mind with him.

2 'The sincerity of the subject of the second line, undivided,' affords occasion for joy.

3 'He advances upwards (as into) an empty city:'—he has no doubt or hesitation.

4 'The king employs him to present his offerings on mount Khi:'—such a service (of God) is according to His mind.

5 'He is firmly correct, and will therefore enjoy good fortune. He ascends the stairs (with all due ceremony):'—he grandly succeeds in his aim.

6 'He blindly advances upwards, and is in the highest place:'—but there is decay in store for him, and he will not (preserve) his riches.

XLVII. (The trigram representing) a marsh, and (below it that for a defile, which has drained the other dry so that there is) no water in it, form Khwan. The superior man, in accordance with this, will sacrifice his life in order to carry out his purpose.

1 'He enters a dark valley:'—so benighted is he, and without clear vision.

2 'He is straitened amidst his food and drink:'—(but) his position is central, and there will be ground for congratulation.

3 'He lays hold of thorns:'—(this is suggested by the position of the line) above the strong (line).

'He enters his palace, and does not see his wife:'—this is inauspicious.

4 'He proceeds very slowly (to help the subject of the first line):'—his aim is directed to (help) that lower (line). Although he is not in his appropriate place, he and that other will (in the end) be together.

5 'His nose and feet are cut off:'—his aim has not yet been gained.

'He is leisurely, however, in his movements, and is satisfied:'—his position is central and (his virtue) is correct.

'It will be well for him to be (as sincere as) in making offerings to God:'—so shall he receive blessing.

6 'He is straitened as if bound with creepers:'—(his spirit and action) are unsuitable.

'(He says), "If I move, I shall regret it." And he does repent (of former errors), which leads to good fortune:'—so he (now) goes on.

XLVIII. (The trigram representing) wood and above it that for water form Zing. The superior man, in accordance with this, comforts the people, and stimulates them to mutual helpfulness.

1 'A well so muddy that men will not drink of it:'--this is indicated by the low position (of the line).

'An old well to which the birds do not come:'--it has been forsaken in the course of time.

2 'A well from which by a hole the water escapes, and flows away to the shrimps:'--(the subject of this second line has) none co-operating with him (above).

3 'The well has been cleared out, but is not used:'--(even) passers-by would be sorry for this.

A prayer is made 'that the king were intelligent:'--for then blessing would be received.

4 'A well the lining of which is well laid. There will be no error:'--the well has been put in good repair.

5 'The waters from the cold spring are (freely) drunk:'--this is indicated by the central and correct position (of the line).

6 'The great good fortune' at the topmost place indicates the grand accomplishment (of the idea in the hexagram).

XLIX. (The trigram representing the waters of) a marsh and that for fire in the midst of them form Ko. The superior man, in accordance with this, regulates his (astronomical) calculations, and makes clear the seasons and times.

1 'He is bound with (the skin of) a yellow ox:'--he should in his circumstances be taking action.

2 'He makes his changes when some time has passed:'--what he does will be matter of admiration.

3 'The change (contemplated) has been three times fully discussed:'--to what else should attention (now) be directed?

4 'The good fortune consequent on changing (existing) ordinances' is due to the faith reposed in his aims.

5 'The great man produces his changes as the tiger does when he changes his stripes:'--their beauty becomes more brilliant.

6 'The superior man produces his changes as the leopard does when he changes his spots:'--their beauty becomes more elegant.

'Small men change their faces:'--they show themselves prepared to follow their ruler.

L. (The trigram representing) wood and above it that for fire form Ting. The superior man, in accordance with this, keeps his every position correct, and maintains secure the appointment (of God).

1 'The caldron is overturned, and its feet turned upwards:'--but this is not (all) contrary (to what is right).

'There will be advantage in getting rid of what was bad:'--thereby (the subject of the line) will follow the more noble (subject of the fourth line).

2 'There is the caldron with the things (to be cooked) in it:'--let (the subject of the line) be careful where he goes.

'My enemy dislikes me:'--but there will in the end be no fault (to which he can point).

3 'There is the caldron with (the places for) its ears changed:'--(its subject) has failed in what was required of him (in his situation).

4 'The contents designed for the ruler's use are overturned and spilt:'--how can (the subject of the line) be trusted?

5 'The caldron has yellow ears:'--the central position (of the line) is taken as (a proof of) the solid (virtue of its subject).

6 'The rings of jade' are at the very top:--the strong and the weak meet in their due proportions.

LI. (The trigram representing) thunder, being repeated, forms Kan. The superior man, in accordance with this, is fearful and apprehensive, cultivates (his virtue), and examines (his faults).

1 'When the (time of) movement comes, he will be found looking out with apprehension:'--that feeling of dread leads to happiness.

'He yet smiles and talks cheerfully:'--the issue (of his dread) is that he adopts (proper) laws (for his course).

2 'When the movement approaches, he is in a position of peril:'--(a weak line) is mounted on a strong (one).

3 'He is distraught amid the startling movements going on:'--(the third line) is in a position unsuitable to it.

4 'Amid the startling movements, he sinks supinely in the mud:'--the light in him has not yet been brilliantly developed.

5 'He goes and comes amid the startling movements, and (always) in peril:'--full of risk are his doings.

'What he has to do has to be done in his central position:'--far will he be from incurring any loss.

6 'Amid the startling movements he is in breathless dismay:'--he has not found out (the course of) the due mean.

'Though evil (threatens), he will not fall into error:'--he is afraid of being warned by his neighbours.

LII. (Two trigrams representing) a mountain, one over the other, form Kan. The superior man, in accordance with this, does not go in his thoughts beyond the (duties of the) position in which he is.

1 'He keeps his toes at rest:'--he does not fail in what is correct (according to the idea of the figure).

2 'He cannot help him whom he follows:'--(he whom he follows) will not retreat to listen to him.

3 'He keeps the loins at rest:'--the danger (from his doing so) produces a glowing heat in the heart.

4 'He keeps the trunk of his body at rest:'--he keeps himself free (from agitation).

5 'He keeps his cheek bones at rest:'--in harmony with his central position he acts correctly.