既济 · 定
Judgement
亨小，利贞。初吉终乱。
Success. Small — furthered by steadfastness. Good fortune at the beginning; disorder at the end.
The Image
水在火上，既济。君子以思患而豫防之。
Above fire, below water: completion. So the superior man thinks of danger in advance and takes care accordingly.
The Lines
曳其轮，濡其尾，无咎。
He drags his wheels, wets his tail; no blame.
“曳其轮”，义无咎也。
Dragging his wheels: by meaning, no blame.
妇丧其茀，勿逐，七日得。
The woman loses her carriage curtain; do not chase it; in seven days you gain it.
“七日得”，以中道也。
In seven days you gain it: by the middle way.
高宗伐鬼方，三年克之；小人勿用。
High Zong attacks the Ghostland; three years to subdue it. The small man is not used.
“三年克之”，惫也。
Three years to subdue it: he is worn out.
繻有衣袽，终日戒。
The finest silk has patches; all day, be on guard.
终日戒，有所疑也。
All day, be on guard: there is something to doubt.
东邻杀牛，不如西邻之禴祭，实受其福。
The eastern neighbour slaughters an ox; it is not equal to the western neighbour’s simple offering, which truly receives the blessing.
“东邻杀牛，不如西邻”之时也；“实受其福”，吉大来也。
The eastern neighbour slaughters an ox: not equal to the western neighbour’s time. Truly receiving the blessing: good fortune comes greatly.
濡其首，厉。
His head is wetted; danger.
“濡其首，厉”，何可久也！
His head is wetted, danger: how could that last?
Reading
水在火上，各在其位，釜已安灶。定是真的，也不稳——经文在成功的关口最严，而它给衰起始的字是「剥」。既成之物仍要看顾；渡了冰的狐，才知冰薄。