| 1 |
將欲取天下而為之，吾見其不得已。天下神器，不可為也，不可執也。 |
If any one should wish to get the kingdom for himself, and to
effect this by what he does, I see that he will not
succeed. The
kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by
active doing. He
who would so win it destroys it; he who would hold
it in his grasp
loses it.
|
When one desires to take in hand the empire and make it, I see him not succeed.
The empire is a divine vessel which cannot be made.
One who makes it, mars it. One who takes it, loses
it.
|
One who desires to take and remake the Empire will fail. The Empire is a divine
thing that cannot be remade. He who attempts it will
only mar it.
|
| 2 |
為 者敗之，執者失之。 |
The course and nature of things is such that
What was in front is now behind;
What warmed anon we freezing find.
Strength is of weakness oft the spoil;
The store in ruins mocks our toil.
|
And it is said of
beings:
" Some are obsequious, others move boldly,
Some breathe warmly, others coldly,
Some are strong and others weak,
Some rise proudly, others sneak."
|
He who seeks to grasp it, will lose it. People differ, some lead, others follow;
some are ardent, others are formal; some are strong,
others weak; some succeed, others fail. |
| 3 |
故物或行或隨，或噓或吹，或強或羸，或載或隳，是
以聖人去甚，去奢，去泰。 |
Hence the sage puts away excessive effort, extravagance, and easy
indulgence. |
Therefore the holy man abandons excess, he abandons extravagance, he abandons
indulgence. |
Therefore the wise man practices moderation; he abandons pleasure, extravagance
and indulgence. |
