《道德经》英译（第六十二章）

道者万物之奥，

善人之宝，

不善人之所保。

美言可以市，

尊行可以加人。

人之不善，

何弃之有？

故立天子，

置三公，

虽有拱璧以先驷马，

不如坐进此道。

古之所以贵此道者何？

不曰：

以求得，

有罪以免耶？

故为天下贵。

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Chapter 62

 

The Way is the cistern of the myriad creatures;

It is the treasure of the good man,

And that which is treasured by the bad man.

Beautiful words can be traded,

Noble deeds can be used as gifts for others.

Why should we reject even what is bad about men?

Therefore,

When the son of heaven is enthroned or the three ministers are installed,

Although they may have large jade disks

And be preceded by teams of four horses,

It would be better for them to sit down and make progress in this.

What was the reason for the ancients to value this so highly?

Did they not say:

“Seek and thou shalt receive;

Sin and thou shalt be forgiven”?

Therefore,

It is valued by all under heaven.

 

（Victor H. Mair 译）