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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Hsiao Kwo indicates that (in the circumstances which it implies) there will be progress and attainment. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (What the name denotes) may be done in small affairs, but not in great affairs. (It is like) the notes that come down from a bird on the wing;—to descend is better than to ascend. There will (in this way) be great good fortune.
Siao Kwo is small excess — the small lines carry the weight, the great ones stand outside. Its warning is drawn in the Judgment: what this denotes may be done in small affairs, but not in great affairs. In such a time you may go a little past the letter — a ceremony kept more carefully than required, a precaution more than seems needed — and that excess is what keeps you safe. What you may not do is scale up: not the great enterprise, not the great departure. The bird's notes come down from the wing, and to descend is better than to ascend. Fly low, keep near your perch — the ending, in the oracle's words, is great good fortune.
Line 1
The first line, divided, suggests (the idea of) a bird flying, (and ascending) till the issue is evil.
Line 2
The second line, divided, shows its subject passing by his grandfather, and meeting with his grandmother; not attempting anything against his ruler, but meeting him as his minister. There will be no error.
Line 3
The third line, undivided, shows its subject taking no extraordinary precautions against danger; and some in consequence finding opportunity to assail and injure him. There will be evil.
Line 4
The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject falling into no error, but meeting (the exigency of his situation), without exceeding (in his natural course). If he go forward, there will be peril, and he must be cautious. There is no occasion to be using firmness perpetually.
Line 5
The fifth line, divided, (suggests the idea) of dense clouds, but no rain, coming from our borders in the west. It also (shows) the prince shooting his arrow, and taking the bird in a cave.
Line 6
The sixth line, divided, shows its subject not meeting (the exigency of his situation), and exceeding (his proper course). (It suggests the idea of) a bird flying far aloft. There will be evil.