no embarrassment "-this implies that [Positive IV] has not yet finished advancing.

Negative V. Loses the sheep through the gentleness of his conduct, and is free from remorse.

Interpretation. [Negative V] avoids the sheep by the gentleness of his conduct,"-because the position is improper.

Negative VI. A male sheep strikes against a fence, and can neither retreat nor advance. Not advantageous in any way. Lucky, when he undergoes embar

rassments.

Interpretation. "[The sheep] can neither retreat nor advance," because he has little discretion. "Lucky when he undergoes embarrassments" because he will not be permanently blamed.

EXAMPLES.

REBEL OF HAGI.

I was once in the same carriage of a train with the three Senates, Mutsu, Kōno, and Nakashima. The Rebel of Saga was raging then, and Mr. Mutsu asked me to divine it. I obtained the "Positive VI" of

“Tai-sô (H=”

"The rebel was already quelled; do not trouble yourself for it any more," said I. "Why do you know that?" demanded Mr. Kōno, and I replied, "The 'Lineation' of the 'Positive VI' says, 'The fence opens itself and causes no embarrassment. Strong, just as a large carriage is strong on account of the strength of the rims of its wheels.' Now then the fence is opened, that is the camps of the mob are all brought down. 'The

carriage is very strong,' that is the carriages of the Army are freely passing through them.

of the rebel is thus evident."

The extinction

The very night, we recieved the news of the subjection.

CALAMITY FROM THIEF OF MR. SUGI, VICE MINISTER OF IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD DEPARTMENT.

One day, I called on Mr. Sugi, and conversed with him for some hours. He said, "Last night a thief broke a store-house of mine and stole away some articles therein contained. Among the articles are my badge and ceremonial dress. They are valuable and indispensable to me, but are of no use to the thief. Please divine these two articles." I calculated and obtained the "Negative VI" of "Tai-sô (H)."

"The Negative VI' says, 'A male sheep strikes against a fence, and can neither retreat nor advance. Not advantageous in any way. Lucky, when he undergoes embarrassments,' 'Tai-so' represents a daring thief. He broke through into your storehouse for some precious articles, but being overawed with the solemnity of your mansion, ran away in haste with articles within his reach, without being able to choose them. Having left your mansion, he was startled with his unexpected spoils, which he can neither sell, nor pawn, nor dress himself with. Neither he can restore them into their position. He is thus in a great distress, hence he can neither retreat nor advance.' 'Strikes against a fence' is an emblem of hanging on a neighbouring fence. As the change is from a negative to a positive, I am sure that the articles can be discovered."

Mr. Sugi sent a man instantly to hunt them, who found them hanging on a fence of his neighbour.

XXXV. SHIN (To advance).

Shin. Those feudal princes who are the securers of the peace of the country are frequently favoured [by the Emperor] with gifts of horses in abundance, and are granted audience with him three times a day.

Exposition. Shin means to advance. The luminary rises above the earth. The earth is obedient to and follows the great luminary. The weak elements advance upwards. Hence, "those feudal princes who are the securers of the peace of the country, are frequently favoured [by the Emperor] with presents of horses in abundance, and are granted audience with him three times a day."

Interpretation. A luminary rising above the earth is [the emblem of] Shin. Honourable men according

ly make their virtues clear.

Negative I. Advances but is checked. Lucky if he is just. He is not trusted, but he will be free from blame if he keeps himself undisturbed and steady.

Interpretation. "[Negative I] advances but is checked," the implication is that he is to keep himself just, regardless of other persons. "He will be free from blame, if he keeps himself undisturbed and steady," [so much prudence is required] because he has not yet received any appointment.

just.

Negative II. Advances but is sad. Lucky if he is
He owes his great felicity to the Sovereign's

mother.

Interpretation.

[Negaiive II] receives his great felicity on account of the propriety and justice [of his conduct].

Negative III. Has the confidence of the multitude, and is without any remorse.

Interpretation. That [Negative III] has the confidence of the multitude, implies that his aspirations are responded to by the superior.

Positive IV. Advances, but the big rat is in danger, even if he be just.

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Interpretation. The big rat is in danger even if he be just," because he occupies an improper position. Negative V. Is without any remorse. Do not concern yourself about loss or gain. You will be lucky to advance, and will have advantage in every way.

Interpretation. When one does not concern oneself about loss or gain, one will have felicity in advancing.

Positive VI. Advances the horn and uses it in attacking the territory. Lucky, though dangerous; and free from remorse. Inauspicious, even if just. Interpretation. "[Positive VI] uses it in attacking the territory "—this implies that his course of action is not yet spotless.

XXXVI. MEI-I ( An injured luminary).

HH!

Mei-i. It will be advantageous to hardships and to be con

undergo

stant.

Exposition. A luminary sinking beneath the earth is [the emblem of] Mei-i. The inner complement is brilliant and clear, while the outer complement is weak and obedient, and great sufferings are undergone. Bun-nō did this. "It will be advantageous to undergo hardships and to be just," or in other words, to conceal one's brilliancy; or to turn one's aspirations in a right direction, while inwardly undergoing sufferings. Ki-shi did this.

Interpretation. A luminary concealed beneath the earth is [the emblem of] Mei-i. Honourable men accordingly use darkness to manage men, yet it will become clear.

Positive I. Gets his brilliancy injured in flying, and drops his wings. On retiring from service, honourable men do not take food three days. They [have cause to] advance, but the master murmurs.

Interpretation. On retiring from service, honourable men do not take food for the sake of honour.

Negative II. Injures his brilliancy by injuring his left thigh. Lucky, if he is rescued with a strong horse. Interpretation. Negative II will be lucky, because he is obedient and regular.

Positive III. Gets his brilliancy injured in hunting in the south; gets the principal prize. The work of correction can not be effected quickly.