Translated from Richard Wilhelm's German (1924)
The Judgment
Enthusiasm. It is favorable
to appoint helpers and set armies marching.
The Image
Out of the earth the thunder comes resounding:
the image of enthusiasm.
So the ancient kings made music
to honor merit,
and offered it in splendor to the highest God,
inviting their ancestors to take part.
First line, six
Enthusiasm that expresses itself brings misfortune.
Second line, six
Firm as a stone. Not a whole day.
Persistence brings good fortune.
Third line, six
Enthusiasm that looks upward creates regret.
Hesitation brings regret.
Fourth line, nine
The source of enthusiasm. It achieves great things.
Do not doubt.
Friends gather around you
as around a hair clasp.
Fifth line, six
Persistent illness, and yet death never comes.
Top line, six
Deluded enthusiasm.
But if, once it has run its course, one comes to change,
that is no fault.