Religion
Chapter 79
Translated by James Legge (1891) · From The Tao Teh King (1891)
When a reconciliation is effected (between two parties) after a great animosity, there is sure to be a grudge remaining (in the mind of the one who was wrong). And how can this be beneficial (to the other)?
Therefore (to guard against this), the sage keeps the left-hand portion of the record of the engagement, and does not insist on the (speedy) fulfilment of it by the other party. (So), he who has the attributes (of the Tao) regards (only) the conditions of the engagement, while he who has not those attributes regards only the conditions favourable to himself.
In the Way of Heaven, there is no partiality of love; it is always on the side of the good man.
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 79.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/78/.
Chicago
Laozi (Lao Tzu). “Chapter 79.” Translated by James Legge. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/laozi/78/.
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