All the world says my Way is boundless
It seems to have no likeness

Since it is boundless
It seems to have no likeness
The same likeness as the eternal!
Isn't it such a thin thread?

I have three gems
Which aid the Way:

"Compassion"
"Restraint"
And "Refusing to take precedent over the world"

Compassion lets one be fierce
Restraint lets one be prolific
And not taking precedent over the world
Lets one become a excellent vessel

Nowadays they prefer ferocity to compassion
Prolificity to restraint
And the first to the last
It all dies!

Compassion even brings victory in war
And secures safety

Heaven grants them succor
For its compassion guards them

天下皆謂我道大
似不肖

夫唯大
故似不肖
若肖
久矣其細也夫

我有三寶
持而保之

一曰慈
二曰儉
三曰不敢為天下先

慈故能勇
儉故能廣
不敢為天下先
故能成器長

今捨慈且勇
捨儉且廣
捨後且先
死矣

夫慈以戰則勝
以守則固

天將救之
以慈衛之