《道德经》英译（第六十九章）

用兵有言：

吾不敢为主而为客；

不敢进寸而退尺。

是谓行无行，

攘无臂，

扔无敌，

执无兵。

祸莫大于轻敌，

轻敌几丧吾宝。

故抗兵相加，

哀者胜矣。

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Chapter 69

The strategists have a saying:

“I dare not be host, but would rather be guest;

I advance not an inch, but instead retreat a foot.”

This is called

Marching without ranks,

Bearing nonexistent arms,

Flourishing nonexistent weapons,

Driving back nonexistent enemies.

There is no greater misfortune than not having a worthy foe;

Once I believe there are no worthy foes, I have well-nigh forfeited my treasures.

Therefore,

When opposing forces are evenly matched,

The one who is saddened will be victorious.

（Victor H. Mair 译）