53

"With the least modicum of wit, The only things we have to fear in traveling the grand thoroughfare (dao) Are the turn-offs. The grand thoroughfare is perfectly level and straight Yet people have a great fondness for mountain trails. Their court is impeccably clean Yet the fields are overgrown with weeds And the granaries stand empty. Their clothing is embroidered and colorful And sharp swords hang at their sides; They are stuffed with food And have wealth and property to throw away. This is called highway robbery (dao), Which ought not to be confused with way-making (dao)."