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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Khan, here repeated, shows the possession of sincerity, through which the mind is penetrating. Action (in accordance with this) will be of high value.
K’wan — water doubled, defile upon defile — is the hexagram of peril repeated. I do not offer you a road around it. I offer sincerity, through which the mind becomes penetrating, and action of high value. The warnings are exact. Enter the double defile and then its cavern — evil. Confronted again and again, struggle and sink — there should be no action. But hear the promises too. The strong heart mid-stream gains a little deliverance; the simple feast, a bottle of spirits and a basket of rice, ends without error; the water not yet full will soon be brought to order. Keep faith inside the pit; the pit is where sincerity is proved.
Line 1
The first line, divided, shows its subject in the double defile, and (yet) entering a cavern within it. There will be evil.
Line 2
The second line, undivided, shows its subject in all the peril of the defile. He will, however, get a little (of the deliverance) that he seeks.
Line 3
The third line, divided, shows its subject, whether he comes or goes (=descends or ascends), confronted by a defile. All is peril to him and unrest. (His endeavours) will lead him into the cavern of the pit. There should be no action (in such a case).
Line 4
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject (at a feast), with (simply) a bottle of spirits, and a subsidiary basket of rice, while (the cups and bowls) are (only) of earthenware. He introduces his important lessons (as his ruler’s) intelligence admits. There will in the end be no error.
Line 5
The fifth line, undivided, shows the water of the defile not yet full, (so that it might flow away); but order will (soon) be brought about. There will be no error.
Line 6
The topmost line, divided, shows its subject bound with cords of three strands or two strands, and placed in the thicket of thorns. But in three years he does not learn the course for him to pursue. There will be evil.