The skilful masters (of the Tao) in old times, with a subtle and exquisite penetration, comprehended its mysteries, and were deep (also) so as to elude men's knowledge. Shrinking looked they like those who wade through a stream in winter; irresolute like those who are afraid of all around them; grave like a guest (in awe of his host); evanescent like ice that is melting away; unpretentious like wood that has not been fashioned into anything; vacant like a valley, and dull like muddy water.
AI Ɖokpo
Àjì wà xwèlúwùn xweví wu wà nǔ wá ɖò xùnùnù ɖà nǔ wá sùn. Yè ɖò xùnùnù wu, yè ɖò nǔ wá sùn wu. Wà yè ɖò xùnùnù wu, nǔ wá tú yè ɖò xweví wu. Yè ɖò yɛ nɛ: yè ɖò xùnùnù ɖà xwè wu wá, yè ɖò nǔ wá tú xwè nǔ wu wà wá, yè ɖò xweví wu ɖà nùnù wu wá, yè ɖò xùnùnù ɖà àzǎ wu wá, yè ɖò ɖòxú wu ɖà yī wu wá, yè ɖò xùnùnù ɖà xwè wu wá, yè ɖò xùnùnù ɖà xweví wu wá. Ká nǔ wá tú xùnùnù ɖà xweví wu nǔ wá kún nǔ wá xɔ́ nǔ nɛ wá ye? Ká nǔ wá tú xùnùnù ɖà xweví wu nǔ wá ɖò nǔ nǔ wá ye? Ká nǔ wá tú xùnùnù ɖà xweví wu nǔ wá sùn nǔ wá ye? Nǔ wá ɖò yè ɖò xweví wu wà nǔ wá kún nǔ wá tú nǔ nɛ. Nǔ wá ɖò yè ɖò xweví wu wà nǔ wá ɖò nǔ nǔ wá, nǔ wá tú yè ɖò xweví wu wà nǔ wá sùn.
