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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Shäng indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. Seeking by (the qualities implied in it) to meet with the great man, its subject need have no anxiety. Advance to the south will be fortunate.
Shäng — a tree pushing up through the earth — is ascent. The oracle grants great progress and success, no anxiety before the great man, fortune going south. But growth is by grades. The first rises with the welcome of those above; the second carries a sincerity that makes even the small vernal sacrifice acceptable; the third climbs into an empty city; the fourth offers the king's sacrifice on mount Khî; the fifth ascends the stairs with due ceremony. The topmost climbs blindly, and there advantage lies in a ceaseless maintenance of firm correctness. Rise as wood rises — by accumulation, not leap: the small added to the small becomes the high. Keep the steps in order, and the height is yours.
Line 1
The first line, divided, shows its subject advancing upwards with the welcome (of those above him). There will be great good fortune.
Line 2
The second line, undivided, shows its subject with that sincerity which will make even the (small) offerings of the vernal sacrifice acceptable. There will be no error.
Line 3
The third line, undivided, shows its subject ascending upwards (as into) an empty city.
Line 4
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject employed by the king to present his offerings on mount Khî. There will be good fortune; there will be no mistake.
Line 5
The fifth line, divided, shows its subject firmly correct, and therefore enjoying good fortune. He ascends the stairs (with all due ceremony).
Line 6
The sixth line, divided, shows its subject advancing upwards blindly. Advantage will be found in a ceaseless maintenance of firm correctness.