Religion
Chapter 17
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
In the highest antiquity, (the people) did not know that there were (their rulers). In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them. Thus it was that when faith (in the Tao) was deficient (in the rulers) a want of faith in them ensued (in the people).
How irresolute did those (earliest rulers) appear, showing (by their reticence) the importance which they set upon their words! Their work was done and their undertakings were successful, while the people all said, 'We are as we are, of ourselves!'
This translation is printed as prose in its source edition.
Codex Note
Prose translation of a largely rhymed original, with occasional rhymed renderings by Legge; words in parentheses are his supplied additions.
Cite this poem
MLA
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 17.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/16/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 17.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/16/.
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