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Fine weapons— |
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vessels of ill omen; |
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some loathe them, |
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therefore those who have the Way do not dwell there. |
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The gentleman, when residing, values the left; |
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when employing weapons, he values the right. |
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Weapons are vessels of ill omen, |
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not the vessel of a gentleman; |
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only when compelled are they used. |
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Quietude is best. |
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Victory is not beautiful, |
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and those who call it beautiful— |
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delight in killing. |
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Now, those who delight in killing— |
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cannot achieve their will in all under heaven. |
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Auspicious matters value the left, |
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inauspicious matters value the right. |
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The flank general stands on the left, |
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the high general stands on the right; |
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it is said to treat it with funeral rites. |
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For the multitude who kill— |
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weep for them in sorrow; |
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winning a battle—treat it with funeral rites. |