Great cleverness leaves no traces.
But if you can grasp the essence,
What cannot be grasped becomes clear.
Great power only intervenes and answers
Inveterate wars are not necessary.
Good leaders are not:
Tao world rule needs of men.
Yet their kindness and charity
A master Te must not forget:
An enlightened and whole man.
other readings further drafts from the same generation
deeper strata where the meaning thins
the original
1. Gravity is the root of lightness; stillness, the ruler of
movement.
2. Therefore a wise prince, marching the whole day, does not go far
from his baggage waggons. Although he may have brilliant prospects to
look at, he quietly remains (in his proper place), indifferent to
them. How should the lord of a myriad chariots carry himself lightly
before the kingdom? If he do act lightly, he has lost his root (of
gravity); if he proceed to active movement, he will lose his throne.