【原文】夫神圣，视天下之形，知动静之时；视先后之称，知祸福之门。强国众，先举者危，后举者利。强国少，先举者王，后举者亡。战国众，后举可以霸；战国少，先举可以王。《霸言》

【汉解】神圣的君主，都是看天下的形势，了解动静时机；看先后机宜，了解祸福的道路。强国多，先举事者危险，后举事者得利；强国少，先举事者成王，后举事者失败。参战国多，后举事者可以成霸；参战国少，先举事者就可以成王。

【英译】Now, the divine sage looks at the condition of the realm and knows whether it is a time to be active or quiescent. He looks at the consequen- ces of events and knows whether they represent the door to disaster or prosperity. If strong states are numerous, whoever takes the initiative will be in danger, while those who lag behind will reap the benefits. When strong states are few, whoever takes the initiative will become king, while those who lag behind will be lost. When warring states are numerous, whoever lags behind may become lord protector. When warring states are few, whoever takes the initiative may become king.