Religion
Chapter 69
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
A master of the art of war has said, 'I do not dare to be the host (to commence the war); I prefer to be the guest (to act on the defensive). I do not dare to advance an inch; I prefer to retire a foot.' This is called marshalling the ranks where there are no ranks; baring the arms (to fight) where there are no arms to bare; grasping the weapon where there is no weapon to grasp; advancing against the enemy where there is no enemy.
There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war. To do that is near losing (the gentleness) which is so precious. Thus it is that when opposing weapons are (actually) crossed, he who deplores (the situation) conquers.
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 69.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/68/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 69.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/68/.
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