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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
In Ts'in we see a prince who secures the tranquillity (of the people) presented on that account with numerous horses (by the king), and three times in a day received at interviews.
Ts'in — the sun rising over the earth — is advance granted rather than seized, and the oracle's opening promise is open-handed: a prince secures the people's tranquillity and is received at interviews three times in a day. Yet advance has grades. Wishing to advance and kept back, remain firm and generous while trust is withheld; the blessing will come. Sorrowful yet advancing, the great blessing arrives from the grandmother. Trusted by all around, every occasion for repentance disappears. Advance like a marmot and the position stays perilous however correct. Advance the horns only against your own rebellious city, and regret still follows. The shining light grows by rising; move, and stay bright.
Line 1
The first line, divided, shows one wishing to advance, and (at the same time) kept back. Let him be firm and correct, and there will be good fortune. If trust be not reposed in him, let him maintain a large and generous mind, and there will be no error.
Line 2
The second line, divided, shows its subject with the appearance of advancing, and yet of being sorrowful. If he be firm and correct, there will be good fortune. He will receive this great blessing from his grandmother.
Line 3
The third line, divided, shows its subject trusted by all (around him). All occasion for repentance will disappear.
Line 4
The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject with the appearance of advancing, but like a marmot. However firm and correct he may be, the position is one of peril.
Line 5
The fifth line, divided, shows how all occasion for repentance disappears (from its subject). (But) let him not concern himself about whether he shall fail or succeed. To advance will be fortunate, and in every way advantageous.
Line 6
The topmost line, undivided, shows one advancing his horns. But he only uses them to punish the (rebellious people of his own) city. The position is perilous, but there will be good fortune. (Yet) however firm and correct he may be, there will be occasion for regret.