使我介然有知，行于大道，唯施是畏。
1If I were suddenly to become known, and (put into a position to) conduct (a government) according to the Great Tao, what I should be most afraid of would be a boastful display.
大道甚夷，而人好径。
2The great Tao (or way) is very level and easy; but people love the by-ways.
朝甚除，田甚芜，仓甚虚；服文彩，带利剑，厌饮食，财货有余，是谓盗夸。
3Their court(-yards and buildings) shall be well kept, but their fields shall be ill-cultivated, and their granaries very empty.
4They shall wear elegant and ornamented robes, carry a sharp sword at their girdle, pamper themselves in eating and drinking, and have a superabundance of property and wealth;--such (princes) may be called robbers and boasters.
非道也哉！
5This is contrary to the Tao surely!