Here we have three contrasting pairs: cock–hen, white–black, glory–shame. The conspicuous roles are what most desire: the pride of the cock, the purity of whiteness, and the glory of a high position. These must all be known, but the Sage is to aim for their opposites: the inconspicuous submissiveness of the hen, the impurity of blackness, and the shame of a low position, because only in this way can he attain to simplicity.
To know the cock yet hold on to the hen is to be the valley of the world.
Once you are the valley of the world, perennial life force will not desert you.
Perennial life force not deserting you brings you back to the state of the infant.
To know the white yet hold on to the black is to be the pointer of the world.
Once you are the pointer of the world, perennial life force will not waver.
Perennial life force not wavering brings you back to the limitless.
To know honour* yet hold on to shame is to be the gully of the world.
Once you are the gully of the world, perennial life force will now suffice;
Perennial life force now sufficing brings you back to lumpen wood.
Lumpen wood is cut up and made into cups;
The Sage uses it,* however, to become the chief official.
Therefore,
Great ruling leaves no scar.