The Yî King · James Legge
Judgment
Sze indicates how, in the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness, and (a leader of) age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.
1882 scan · p. 71Line 1 · Six, divided
The first line, divided, shows the host going forth according to the rules (for such a movement). If these be not good, there will be evil.
1882 scan · p. 72Line 2 · Nine, undivided
The second line, undivided, shows (the leader) in the midst of the host. There will be good fortune and no error. The king has thrice conveyed to him the orders (of his favour).
1882 scan · p. 72Line 3 · Six, divided
The third line, divided, shows how the host may, possibly, have many inefficient leaders. There will be evil.
1882 scan · p. 72Line 4 · Six, divided
The fourth line, divided, shows the host in retreat. There is no error.
1882 scan · p. 72Line 5 · Six, divided
The fifth line, divided, shows birds in the fields, which it will be advantageous to seize (and destroy). In that case there will be no error. If the oldest son leads the host, and younger men (idly occupy offices assigned to them), however firm and correct he may be, there will be evil.
1882 scan · p. 72Line 6 · Six, divided
The topmost line, divided, shows the great ruler delivering his charges, (appointing some) to be rulers of states, and others to undertake the headship of clans; but small men should not be employed (in such positions).
1882 scan · p. 72James Legge · The Yî King (1882), Princeton scan. All 450 selected passages were independently image-read and compared by AI; unresolved print details remain. Not human or expert collation. Source and data ↗