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.