The Way's rule is nameless, like unworked wood
Though it is small, the world cannot possibly subjugate it

If a King were able to observe it
The ten thousand things would be his honoured guests
Heaven and Earth would be in balance
And rain sweet ambrosia!
The citizens would harmonise
Without a single decree!

When it manifests to be named
It steps into existence
Those who take it up may know repose
And knowing repose, they know no suffering

The Way is to the world
What a stream's spring is to a tremendous river; as a tremendous river is to the vast ocean it feeds

道常無名樸
雖小天下莫能臣也

侯王若能守之
萬物將自賓
天地相合以降甘露
民莫之令而自均

始制有名
名亦既有
夫亦將知止
知止所以不殆

譬道之在天下
猶川谷之於江海