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.