《道德经》英译（第六十一章）

大国者下流，

天下之交，

天下之牝。

牝常以静胜牡，

以静为下。

故大国以下小国，

则取小国；

小国以下大国，

则取大国。

故或下以取，

或下而取。

大国不过欲兼畜人，

小国不过欲入事人。

夫两者各得其所欲，

大者宜为下。

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Chapter 61

 

A large state is like a low-lying estuary,

the female of all under heaven.

In the congress of all under heaven,

the female always conquers the male through her stillness.

Because she is still, it is fitting for her to lie low.

By lying beneath a small state,

a large state can take over a small state.

By lying beneath a large state,

a small state can be taken over by a large state.

Therefore,

One may either take over or be taken over by lying low.

Therefore,

The large state wishes only to annex and nurture others;

The small state wants only to join with and serve others.

Now,

Since both get what they want,

It is fitting for the large state to lie low.

 

（Victor H. Mair 译）