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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.
Kien — water above the mountain — is obstruction: danger in front, and the seeing eye halts. The oracle gives three helps for what is hard: the favourable ground of the south-west, the great man, and firm correctness. Advance from the first line and difficulties multiply; stand, and there is ground for praise. The minister of the king struggles from difficulty to difficulty, not for his own advantage. Each advance leads only to greater difficulty; remain, return, or unite with the one above. Struggling with the greatest difficulties while friends come to help, that line holds the king's own ground. Going forward only deepens the trouble; standing fast is great merit. Seeing the danger and stopping is itself the mastery.
Line 1
From the first line, divided, we learn that advance (on the part of its subject) will lead to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise.
Line 2
The second line, divided, shows the minister of the king struggling with difficulty on difficulty, and not with a view to his own advantage.
Line 3
The third line, undivided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).
Line 4
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above).
Line 5
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject struggling with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming to help him.
Line 6
The topmost line, divided, shows its subject going forward, (only to increase) the difficulties, while his remaining stationary will be (productive of) great (merit). There will be good fortune, and it will be advantageous to meet with the great man.