7. THE ARMY
Shih
The Judgement
THE ARMY. The army needs perseverance And a strong man. Good fortune. No blame.
The Image
In the middle of the earth is water: The image of THE ARMY. Thus the superior man increases his masses By generosity toward the people.
The Lines
Six at the top: The great prince issues commands, founds states, vests families with fiefs. Inferior people should not be employed.
The Image says: 'The great prince issues commands,' in order to reward merit. 'Inferior people should not be employed,' for they would surely bring the state to confusion.
Six in the fifth place: There is game in the field. It is favorable to catch it. No blame. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger transports corpses. Then perseverance brings misfortune.
The Image says: 'Let the eldest lead the army,' because he is in the middle. 'The younger transports corpses,' because the commission is not fitting.
Six in the fourth place: The army retreats. No blame.
The Image says: 'The army retreats. No blame.' One has not lost the regular way.
Six in the third place: The army may have to carry corpses in the wagon. Misfortune.
The Image says: 'The army may have to carry corpses in the wagon.' This is a great lack of success.
Nine in the second place: In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king has bestowed a threefold decoration.
The Image says: 'In the midst of the army. Good fortune.' This is due to the favor of heaven. 'The king has bestowed a threefold decoration,' because he has the welfare of all the states at heart.
Six at the beginning: An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good, misfortune threatens.
The Image says: 'An army must set forth in proper order.' If the order is lost, misfortune threatens.