The ancients were circumspect as crossing a frozen river,
    豫兮，若冬涉川；

    ( The ancients were ）watchful as fearful of hostile neighbors,
    犹兮，若畏四邻；

   （ The ancients were ）reserved as an unacquainted guest,
    俨兮，其若客；

   （ The ancients were ）softened as melting ice，
    涣兮，其若冰之将释；

    ( The ancients were ) natural as uncarved block,
    敦兮，其若朴；

   （ The ancients were ）vacant  as a value, and obscure as a muddy stream.
    旷兮，其若谷；混兮，其若浊。

    Who could calm the turbid water？ It could be slowly turned clean.
    孰能浊以静之徐清？

    Who could stir the stale water? It could be slowly revived.
    熟能安以动之徐生？

    Those who follow the devine law will not be full to the brim.
    保此道者不欲盈。

    Only those who do not go to excess can renew what is worn out.
    夫唯不盈，故能蔽不新成。

    Do your utmost  to be empty-minded and hold fast to tranquility.
    致虚极，守静笃。