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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Lîn (indicates that under the conditions supposed in it) there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firmly correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.
Lîn — a lake lying beneath the earth — is the approach of the strong upon the weak, of authority coming down to inspect, comfort, and rule. The oracle grants great progress and success to the advancing power, but sets one condition, one warning: be firmly correct, and remember the eighth month. What approaches will, in no long time, recede. The lines grade the advance: going forward in company brings fortune; a pleased and careless advance gains nothing unless anxiety corrects it; wisdom that befits a great ruler and honesty joined with generosity both end well. Approach while it is yours. The strength that raises you is the first to ebb; firm correctness is what outlasts the month of decline.
Line 1
The first line, undivided, shows its subject advancing in company (with the subject of the second line). Through his firm correctness there will be good fortune.
Line 2
The second line, undivided, shows its subject advancing in company (with the subject of the first line). There will be good fortune; (advancing) will be in every way advantageous.
Line 3
The third line, divided, shows one well pleased (indeed) to advance, (but whose action) will be in no way advantageous. If he become anxious about it (however), there will be no error.
Line 4
The fourth line, divided, shows one advancing in the highest mode. There will be no error.
Line 5
The fifth line, divided, shows the advance of wisdom, such as befits the great ruler. There will be good fortune.
Line 6
The sixth line, divided, shows the advance of honesty and generosity. There will be good fortune, and no error.