De Dao Jing || rendered by Douglas Allchin

How the Way is like stringing a bow!

The upper end is brought down.

The lower end is lifted.

All excess is reduced.

All deficit is restored.
With all parts in balance, it is fit for use.

In nature, any surplus flows

to those without from those with more.
Men instead reverse the flow

from those without to those with more.

Only one with integrity has abundance

and shares it with the world.

The person of integrity

works, expecting no return,

completes his task, not dwelling on it,

and rests, content unto himself.