when government is lazy and informal

the people are kind and honest;

when government is efficient and severe

the people are discontented and deceitful.

good fortune follows upon disaster;

disaster lurks within good fortune;

who can say how things will end?

perhaps there is no end.

honesty is ever deceived;

kindness is ever seduced;

men have been like this for a long time. so the sage is firm but not cutting,

pointed but not piercing,

straight but not rigid,

bright but not blinding.