33. RETREAT
Tun
The Judgement
RETREAT. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.
The Image
Mountain under heaven: the image of RETREAT. Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance, Not in anger but with dignity.
The Lines
Nine at the top: Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.
The Image says: 'Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.' There is no longer any doubt.
Nine in the fifth place: Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.
The Image says: 'Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune,' because the will is correct.
Nine in the fourth place: Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man and downfall to the inferior man.
The Image says: 'The superior man retreats voluntarily; the inferior man does not.'
Nine in the third place: A halted retreat is nerve-racking and dangerous. To retain people as men- and maidservants brings good fortune.
The Image says: 'The danger of a halted retreat' is due to the exhaustion of the illness. 'To retain people as men- and maidservants brings good fortune.' One cannot use them for great things.
Six in the second place: He holds him fast with yellow oxhide. No one can tear him loose.
The Image says: 'He holds him fast with yellow oxhide.' His will is firm.
Six at the beginning: Retreating tail. This is dangerous. One must not wish to undertake anything.
The Image says: 'The danger of the retreating tail.' If one does not go, what disaster can there be?