While water is the dominant image used for the Way, that of a road is not absent. Here we find the Way is the straight and level road in contrast to tortuous mountain paths. The contrast provides a context to the following description of the luxurious life of courtiers, here condemned as robbery.
If I had only little knowledge,
When walking on the highroad, I would but fear to go astray.
The highroad is level yet the people like mountain paths.*
Courts are free of weeds, while fields are overrun with darnel.
Granaries are empty, while robes are embroidered silk.
Bearing sharp swords; feasting on drink and food;
Riches in excess: this is called ‘rapacious extravagance’.
‘Rapacious extravagance’: such is not the Way, oh no!