I Ching
by Martin Burke

The Army

receptive earth and abysmal water

the army needs true leadership
good fortune without blame

there is water in the earth-
this is the army
the superior man gives
and all that he gives returns to him

                             *

if the order is good -good fortune follows
if not, misfortune

good fortune, no blame
the king gives decoration

yet what does the army carry in the wagon
misfortune

retreat -yet no blame

when order is reversed there will be misfortune

the king gives his commands
and the state is well ordered
mediocrity should not be employed