【原文】山高而不崩，则祈羊至矣；渊深而不涸，则沈玉极矣，天不变其常，地不易其则，春秋冬夏，不更其节，古今一也。蛟龙得水，而神可立也；虎豹得幽，而威可载也。风雨无乡，而怨怒不及也。贵有以行令，贱有以忘卑，寿夭贫富，无徒归也。《形势》

 

【汉解】山高而不崩颓，就有人烹羊设祭；渊深而不枯竭，就有人投玉求神。天不改变它的常规，地不改变它的法则，春秋冬夏不改变它的节令，从古到今都是一样的。蛟龙得水，才可以树立神灵；虎豹凭借深山幽谷，才可以保持威力。风雨没有既定的方向，谁也不会埋怨它。位高的人发号施令，位低的人忘掉卑贱，长寿、短命、贫穷、富有等等，都不是无因而至的。

 

【英译】If a mountain rises high and never crumbles, sacrificial sheep will be presented to it. If a pool is deep and never dries up, sacrificial jade will be offered to it. Heaven does not change its constant activities. Earth does not alter its regular activities. Spring, autumn, winter, and summer do not vary their seasonal activities. From ancient times to the present, this has always been so. So long as the flood dragon has water, its diving nature can be maintained. So long as the tiger and leopard remain in secluded places, their awesomeness is respected. Since the wind and rain are impartial, resentment and hatred are not directed toward them. The honored possess the means to have their orders carried out. The lowly possess the means  to forget their debasement. Long life and early death, poverty and opulence do not come about by accident.