1 If I were suddenly to become known, and (put into a position to) conduct (a government) according to the Great Way, what I should be most afraid of would be a boastful display.

2 The great Way is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways.

3 Their court(-yards and buildings) shall be well kept, but their fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries very empty. They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth;--such (princes) may be called robbers and boasters. This is contrary to the Way of God surely!