I Ching
by Martin Burke

Biting Through

clinging flame and arousing thunder

constancy brings success
let justice be administered

thunder and lighting
are the image of biting through
and so the king makes laws
and fixes the rightful penalties

                             *

he is held in chains yet there is no blame

he eats, and no blame

he strikes on something poisonous-
there is some humiliation but no blame

be mindful of the difficulties
yet be constant

he is aware of the danger
so there is no blame

when he is a prisoner
there will be misfortune