with but a small understanding

one may follow the way like a main road,

fearing only to leave it;

following a main road is easy,

yet people delight in difficult paths. when palaces are kept up

fields are left to weeds

and granaries empty;

wearing fine clothes,

bearing sharp swords,

glutting with food and drink,

hoarding wealth and possessions -

these are the ways of theft,

and far from the way.