Hexagram 43 · 夬 guài

Decisive Break · line 1

初九:壯于前趾,往不勝為咎。

The first line, undivided, shows its subject in (the pride of) strength advancing with his toes. He goes forward, but will not succeed. There will be ground for blame.

James Legge, 1882

Hexagram 43 Decisive Break · Judgement

夬:揚于王庭,孚號有厲。告自邑,不利即戎,利有攸往。

Kwâi requires (in him who would fulfil its meaning) the exhibition (of the culprit's guilt) in the royal court, and a sincere and earnest appeal (for sympathy and support), with a consciousness of the peril (involved in cutting off the criminal). He should (also) make announcement in his own city, and show that it will not be well to have recourse at once to arms. (In this way) there will be advantage in whatever he shall go forward to.

James Legge, 1882