#44*
Fame or life:
Which is dearer?
Life or fortune:
Which is most valuable?
Gain or loss:
Which is more harmful?
Hence, excessive love
Is bound to great cost.
Too many possessions
Is bound to great loss.
Knowing satisfaction, [1]
Avoid humiliation.
Knowing when to stop,
Keep away danger.
Thus, forever safe.
*Translation by LU Wenlong & Keith Wayne Brown, ©2013.
[1] Temperance, moderation, “enough is enough”
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