XVIII. Yang Chih Shui

The Yang Chih Shui; allusive. One party asserts good faith to another, and protests against people who would make them doubt each other.

1    Fretted its waters seem,
  Yet gently flows the stream:—
A bundle of thorns ’twill not bear. p. 101
    Our brethren are so few;
    There are but I and you:—
Let nothing our friendship impair.
    People's words don't believe;
    They are meant to deceive:—
Their purpose is but to ensnare.

2    Fretted its waters seem,
    Yet gently flows the stream:—
A bundle of wood ’twill not bear.
    Our brethren are so few;
    There are only we two:—
Let nothing our friendship impair.
    Trust not the people's breath;
    They don't deserve your faith:—
Their purpose is but to ensnare.