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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
(Looking at) King, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its wells undergoes no change. (The water of a well) never disappears and never receives (any great) increase, and those who come and those who go can draw and enjoy the benefit. If (the drawing) have nearly been accomplished, but, before the rope has quite reached the water, the bucket is broken, this is evil.
King — water over wood, the well — is what changes not: the town may move, the well remains, neither failing nor overflowing, and all who come and go may draw. The warning is practical: if the rope has nearly reached the water and the bucket breaks, that is evil — nourishment interrupted at the last inch. So with men: a well too muddy to drink from, one that leaks to the shrimps, one cleared out but never used — failures of use, not of water. Line the shaft well; keep the spring cold and limpid; at the top leave the water uncovered, that others may draw. The well gives without being spent: be that constancy, and the good is without end.
Line 1
The first line, divided, shows a well so muddy that men will not drink of it; or an old well to which neither birds (nor other creatures) resort.
Line 2
The second line, undivided, shows a well from which by a hole the water escapes and flows away to the shrimps (and such small creatures among the grass), or one the water of which leaks away from a broken basket.
Line 3
The third line, undivided, shows a well, which has been cleared out, but is not used. Our hearts are sorry for this, for the water might be drawn out and used. If the king were (only) intelligent, both he and we might receive the benefit of it.
Line 4
The fourth line, divided, shows a well, the lining of which is well laid. There will be no error.
Line 5
The fifth line, undivided, shows a clear, limpid well, (the waters from) whose cold spring are (freely) drunk.
Line 6
The topmost line, divided, shows (the water from) the well brought to the top, which is not allowed to be covered. This suggests the idea of sincerity. There will be great good fortune.