Translated from Richard Wilhelm's German (1924)
The Judgment
The repeated Abysmal.
If you are sincere, in your heart you have success,
and what you do succeeds.
The Image
Water flows on without interruption and reaches its destination:
the image of the repeated Abysmal.
So the noble one walks in constant virtue
and carries on the work of teaching.
First line, six
Repetition of the Abysmal.
One falls into a hole in the abyss. Misfortune.
Second line, nine
The abyss holds danger.
One should strive only to achieve small things.
Third line, six
Forward and backward, abyss upon abyss.
In such danger, pause for now,
or you will fall into a hole in the abyss.
Do not act this way.
Fourth line, six
A jug of wine, a rice bowl besides, earthenware,
simply handed in through the window.
That is no fault at all.
Fifth line, nine
The abyss is not overfilled;
it is filled only to the brim.
No fault.
Top line, six
Bound with cords and ropes,
enclosed between prison walls hedged with thorns;
for three years one cannot find one's way.
Misfortune.