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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Yî indicates that (in the state which it denotes) there will be advantage in every movement which shall be undertaken, that it will be advantageous (even) to cross the great stream.
Yî — wind paired with thunder — is increase: what is above is lessened to add to what is below. The oracle turns liberal: advantage in every movement, advantage even in crossing the great stream. Let the ruler's heart be set on benefiting all beneath him, and they will answer with sincere hearts. Increase given through evil things still corrects, if you hold to the Mean. Advice that follows the due course may be trusted even with the removal of a capital. Ten pairs of tortoise shells confirm the sincere; the king presents his offerings to God and is heard. But increase is not hoarding. See the good, and move toward it — that is how gain is kept.
Line 1
The first line, undivided, shows that it will be advantageous for its subject in his position to make a great movement. If it be greatly fortunate, no blame will be imputed to him.
Line 2
The second line, divided, shows parties adding to the stores of its subject ten pairs of tortoise shells whose oracles cannot be opposed. Let him persevere in being firm and correct, and there will be good fortune. Let the king, (having the virtues thus distinguished), employ them in presenting his offerings to God, and there will be good fortune.
Line 3
The third line, divided, shows increase given to its subject by means of what is evil, so that he shall (be led to good), and be without blame. Let him be sincere and pursue the path of the Mean, (so shall he secure the recognition of the ruler, like) an officer who announces himself to his prince by the symbol of his rank.
Line 4
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject pursuing the due course. His advice to his prince is followed. He can with advantage be relied on in such a movement as that of removing the capital.
Line 5
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject with sincere heart seeking to benefit (all below). There need be no question about it; the result will be great good fortune. (All below) will with sincere heart acknowledge his goodness.
Line 6
In the sixth line, undivided, we see one to whose increase none will contribute, while many will seek to assail him. He observes no regular rule in the ordering of his heart. There will be evil.