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James Legge, 1899 (public domain)
Kî Kî intimates progress and success in small matters. There will be advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.
Kî Kî is the one hexagram where every line stands in its correct place — the crossing made, water and fire serve each other, the vessel brought over. Here the oracle plants its warning: good fortune in the beginning; disorder may come in the end. Success is not a place to stand; it is a condition to be maintained. The lines keep watch — a driver holds his wheel, a fox that has wet its tail will not tempt the stream again, a wife does not chase her lost screen, rags stay provided against any leak in the boat. Sacrifice is judged by sincerity, not by the size of the ox. What is complete is defended in small matters, quietly, daily.
Line 1
The first line, undivided, (shows its subject as a driver) who drags back his wheel, (or as a fox) which has wet his tail. There will be no error.
Line 2
The second line, divided, (shows its subject as) a wife who has lost her (carriage-)screen. There is no occasion to go in pursuit of it. In seven days she will find it.
Line 3
The third line, undivided, (suggests the case of) Kao Tsung who attacked the Demon region, but was three years in subduing it. Small men should not be employed (in such enterprises).
Line 4
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject with rags provided against any leak (in his boat), and on his guard all day long.
Line 5
The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject (as) the neighbour in the east who slaughters an ox (for his sacrifice); but this is not equal to the (small) spring sacrifice of the neighbour in the west, whose sincerity receives the blessing.
Line 6
The topmost line, divided, shows its subject with (even) his head immersed. The position is perilous.