His moves, even in the world
Will not open him, though he holds
The Oneness.
He'll surely be a 'big world-child. '
He'll follow that subtle Way,
He'll love the whole world
But not hurt them.
As long as he rules over Tao,
He won't need show for comfort,
Or taste sweet food.
In music, don't clap and light.
When you step back you'll hold on to it:
Only by it can you guard it.
other readings further drafts from the same generation
deeper strata where the meaning thins
the original
1. All-pervading is the Great Tao! It may be found on the left
hand and on the right.
2. All things depend on it for their production, which it gives to
them, not one refusing obedience to it. When its work is
accomplished, it does not claim the name of having done it. It
clothes all things as with a garment, and makes no assumption of being
their lord;--it may be named in the smallest things. All things
return (to their root and disappear), and do not know that it is it
which presides over their doing so;--it may be named in the greatest
things.
3. Hence the sage is able (in the same way) to accomplish his great
achievements. It is through his not making himself great that he can
accomplish them.