56. The Wanderer / Lu

Line 6: The bird’s nest burns. The wanderer laughs at first, but later weeps and wails. Losing the cow through negligence brings misfortune.

Line 5: He shoots a pheasant; it falls with a single arrow. In the end, he achieves praise and high office.

Line 4: The wanderer finds a place to rest and gains the means for his livelihood. Yet, my heart is not at ease.

Line 3: The wanderer’s inn burns down; he loses the loyalty of his servant. Perseverance in this path leads to danger.

Line 2: The wanderer arrives at an inn, carrying his resources. He gains the loyalty of a young servant.

Line 1: The wanderer busies himself with petty trifles; this is how he draws disaster upon himself.