Translated from Richard Wilhelm's German (1924)
The Judgment
Standstill.
Bad people are not favorable
to the persistence of the noble one.
The great departs, the small arrives.
The Image
Heaven and earth do not come together:
the image of standstill.
So the noble one withdraws into their inner worth
to escape the difficulties.
They do not let themselves be honored with income.
First line, six
When ribbon grass is pulled up, the turf comes with it.
Each according to its kind.
Persistence brings good fortune and success.
Second line, six
They bear and endure;
for petty people that means good fortune.
For the great person the standstill makes for success.
Third line, six
They bear shame.
Fourth line, nine
Whoever acts on the command of the Highest remains without fault.
Those of like mind enjoy the blessing.
Fifth line, nine
The standstill eases. Good fortune for the great person.
“What if it were to fail, what if it were to fail!”
In this way they tie it to a bundle of mulberry bushes.
Top line, nine
The standstill ends.
First standstill, then good fortune.