matching the sublimity of heaven

Here are a few verses from the Tao Te Ching, a classical collection of sayings from the fourth century B.C., which is attributed to a contemporary of Confucius called, Lao Tzu.

The pictured edition is a 1987 reprint of the original 1963 translation by D.C.Lau ... I bought this copy in London, way back in July 1988:


Tao Te Ching

Verse 68 

One who excels as a warrior does not appear formidable;
One who excels in fighting is never roused in anger;
One who excels in defeating his enemy does not join issue;
One who excels in employing others humbles himself before them.

This is known as the virtue of non-contention;
This is known as making use of the efforts of others;
This is known as matching the sublimity of heaven.

Verse 69

The strategists have a saying,
I dare not play the host but play the guest,
I dare not advance an inch but retreat a foot instead.

This is known as marching forward when there is no road,
Rolling up one's sleeves when there is no arm,
Dragging one's adversary by force when there is no adversary,
And taking up arms when there are no arms.

There is no disaster greater than taking on an enemy too easily.
So doing nearly cost me my treasure.
Thus of two sides raising arms against each other,
It is the one that is sorrow-stricken that wins.

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