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道者万物之奥。
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Dao is the essence of all things. |
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善人之宝，
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It is the treasure of the good, |
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不善人之所保。
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and the refuge for the not good. |
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美言可以市尊，
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Fine words can buy honor, |
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美行可以加人。
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good deeds can win respect. |
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人之不善，
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As for the not good, |
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何弃之有？
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why should they be abandoned? |
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故立天子，
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Thus, on the day an emperor is crowned, |
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置三公，
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or the three ministers are installed, |
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虽有拱璧以先驷马，
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do not offer jade or a team of horses, |
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不如坐进此道。
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but remain still and offer the Dao. |
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古之所以贵此道者何？
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Why did the ancients treasure the Dao? |
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不曰求以得，
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Because in seeking, you find, |
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有罪以免耶？
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and in making mistakes, you are forgiven. |
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故为天下贵。
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That is why it is honored under heaven. |