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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Ming I indicates that (in the circumstances which it denotes) it will be advantageous to realise the difficulty (of the position), and maintain firm correctness.
Ming I — the light sunk beneath the earth — is brightness wounded, and the oracle does not deny the wound; it teaches how to be wounded without losing the light. With drooping wings, the superior man, revolving his going away, may go three days without eating while men speak derisively of him. Wounded in the left thigh, save yourself by the strength of a swift horse — that is fortunate. Hunt in the south, take the great chief of the darkness, but do not force everything correct at once. Enter the belly of the dark land and carry the inner mind out untouched. Like the count of Ki, stay firm and correct; the light turns inward and endures.
Line 1
The first line, undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, flying, but with drooping wings. When the superior man (is revolving) his going away, he may be for three days without eating. Wherever he goes, the people there may speak (derisively of him).
Line 2
The second line, divided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, wounded in the left thigh. He saves himself by the strength of a (swift) horse; and is fortunate.
Line 3
The third line, undivided, shows its subject, (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, hunting in the south, and taking the great chief (of the darkness). He should not be eager to make (all) correct (at once).
Line 4
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject (just) entered into the left side of the belly (of the dark land). (But) he is able to carry out the mind appropriate (in the condition indicated by) Ming I, quitting the gate and courtyard (of the lord of darkness).
Line 5
The fifth line, divided, shows how the count of Ki fulfilled the condition indicated by Ming I. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.
Line 6
The sixth line, divided, shows the case where there is no light, but (only) obscurity. (Its subject) had at first ascended to (the top of) the sky; his future shall be to go into the earth.