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The great state flows low, |
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the meeting point of all under heaven, |
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the female of all under heaven. |
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The female always overcomes the male through stillness; |
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by stillness, it becomes low. |
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Therefore, when a great state places itself below a small state, |
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it wins the small state; |
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when a small state places itself below a great state, |
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it wins the great state. |
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Some are low to win, |
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some are low and win. |
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The great state desires nothing more than to gather and rear people; |
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the small state desires nothing more than to enter and serve people. |
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Both get what they desire; |
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the greater should be the lower. |