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).