53
If I were suddenly to become known, and (put into
a position
to) conduct (a government) according to the Great Tao, what I should
be most afraid of would be a boastful
display.
The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the
by-ways.
Their
court(-yards and buildings) shall be well kept, but their
fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries
very empty.
They
shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword
at their
girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking,
and have a
superabundance of property and wealth;--such (princes)
may be called
robbers and boasters. This is contrary to the Tao surely!
