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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Thung Zän (or 'Union of men') appears here (as we find it) in the (remote districts of the) country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to maintain the firm correctness of the superior man.
Thung Zän — union of men — appears in the remote districts of the country, where motives are unsophisticated: progress and success, advantageous to cross the great stream, advantageous to hold the firm correctness of the superior man. The oracle grades unions sharply. Issue from your own gate: no error. Unite within your kindred: occasion for regret. Hide your arms in the thick grass and wait three years on the high mound — a private quarrel declined. Mounted on the city wall, do not attack: good fortune. The great host first wails and cries out, then laughs, and the union meets. Even in the suburbs, no occasion for repentance. Fellowship held for public ends survives; fellowship held for kin fails.
Line 1
The first line, undivided, (shows the representative of) the union of men just issuing from his gate. There will be no error.
Line 2
The second line, divided, (shows the representative of) the union of men in relation with his kindred. There will be occasion for regret.
Line 3
The third line, undivided, (shows its subject) with his arms hidden in the thick grass, and at the top of a high mound. (But) for three years he makes no demonstration.
Line 4
The fourth line, undivided, (shows its subject) mounted on the city wall; but he does not proceed to make the attack (he contemplates). There will be good fortune.
Line 5
In the fifth line, undivided, (the representative of) the union of men first wails and cries out, and then laughs. His great host conquers, and he (and the subject of the second line) meet together.
Line 6
The topmost line, undivided, (shows the representative of) the union of men in the suburbs. There will be no occasion for repentance.