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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Sung intimates how, though there is sincerity in one's contention, he will yet meet with opposition and obstruction; but if he cherish an apprehensive caution, there will be good fortune, while, if he must prosecute the contention to the (bitter) end, there will be evil. It will be advantageous to see the great man; it will not be advantageous to cross the great stream.
Sung — contention. Heaven rises; the water turns and flows against it: two wills meeting. The verdict is unflattering even to the sincere contender: you meet opposition and obstruction; cautious in the middle, there is fortune; carry the contention to its bitter end, and it turns evil. See the great man — do not attempt the great stream. The lines grade the quarrel like retreat: let the matter drop early and the end is good; retire to a hamlet of three hundred households and you escape blame; keep to your old place, firm, and the danger passes; contend before the lord of the place; and the leathern belt conferred thrice in a morning is thrice taken back before night.
Line 1
The first line, divided, shows its subject not perpetuating the matter about which (the contention is). He will suffer the small (injury) of being spoken against, but the end will be fortunate.
Line 2
The second line, undivided, shows its subject unequal to the contention. If he retire and keep concealed (where) the inhabitants of his city are (only) three hundred families, he will fall into no mistake.
Line 3
The third line, divided, shows its subject keeping in the old place assigned for his support, and firmly correct. Perilous as the position is, there will be good fortune in the end. Should he perchance engage in the king's business, he will not (claim the merit of) achievement.
Line 4
The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject unequal to the contention. He returns to (the study of Heaven's) ordinances, changes (his wish to contend), and rests in being firm and correct. There will be good fortune.
Line 5
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject contending;—and with great good fortune.
Line 6
The topmost line, undivided, shows how its subject may have the leathern belt conferred on him (by the sovereign), and thrice it shall be taken from him in a morning.