LIV. (The trigram representing the waters of) a marsh and over it that for thunder form Kwei Mei. The superior man, in accordance with this, having regard to the far-distant end, knows the mischief (that may be done at the beginning).

1 'The younger sister is married off in a position ancillary to that of the real wife:' it is the constant practice (for such a case). 'Lame on one leg, she is able to tramp along:' she can render helpful service.

2 'There will be advantage in maintaining the firm correctness of a solitary widow:' (the subject of the line) has not changed from the constancy (proper to a wife).

3 'The younger sister who was to be married off is in a mean position:' this is shown by the improprieties (indicated in the line).

4 (The purpose in) 'protracting the time' is that, after waiting, the thing may be done (all the better).

5 'The sleeves of the younger sister of (king) Ti-yi, when she was married away, were not equal to those of her (half-)sister, who accompanied her:' such was her noble character, indicated by the central position of the line.

6 '(What is said in) the sixth line, divided, about there being nothing in the basket' shows that the subject of it is carrying an empty basket.