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道冲，
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Dao is empty, |
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而用之或不盈。
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Yet it is ever utilized and never depleted. |
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渊兮，
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Deep and profound, |
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似万物之宗；
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It is the source of all things. |
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挫其锐，
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It blunts sharpness, |
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解其纷，
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Untangles the complex, |
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和其光，
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Softens the light, |
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同其尘；
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Merges with the dust. |
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湛兮似或存。
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Elusive yet always present. |
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吾不知谁之子？
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I do not know whose child it is, |
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象帝之先。
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But it predates the highest deities. |