- The Tao is the most exalted of all things. It is the ornament of the good, and the protection and purification of the evil.
- Its words are the fountain of honour, and its deeds the engine of achievement. It is present even in evil.
- Though the Son of Heaven were enthroned with his three Dukes appointed to serve him, and he were offered a round symbol-of-rank as great as might fill the hands, with a team of horses to follow, this gift were not to be matched against the Tao, which might be offered by the humblest of men.
- Why did they of old time set such store by the Tao? Because he that sought it might find it, and because it was the Purification from all evil. Therefore did all men under Heaven esteem it the most exalted of all things.
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