Original and Lucid edition, side by side
Legge translation, 1891
1. The Tao that can be trodden is not the enduring and unchanging Tao. The name that can be named is not the enduring and unchanging name.
2. (Conceived of as) having no name, it is the Originator of heaven and earth; (conceived of as) having a name, it is the Mother of all things.
3. Always without desire we must be found, If its deep mystery we would sound; But if desire always within us be, Its outer fringe is all that we shall see.
4. Under these two aspects, it is really the same; but as development takes place, it receives the different names. Together we call them the Mystery. Where the Mystery is the deepest is the gate of all that is subtle and wonderful.
Lucid Classics
The Tao you can speak of is not the eternal Tao. The name you can name is not the eternal name.
Conceived of as having no name, it is the Originator of Heaven and Earth. Conceived of as having a name, it is the Mother of all things.
Free of desire, you sound its deep mystery. / Caught in desire, you see only its outer fringe.
Under these two aspects, it is really the same; but as it unfolds, it takes on different names. Together, we call them the Mystery. Where the Mystery is deepest is the gate of all that is subtle and wonderful.
Legge translation, 1891
The unwrought material, when divided and distributed, forms vessels. The sage, when employed, becomes the Head of all the Officers (of government); and in his greatest regulations he employs no violent measures.
29. 1. If any one should wish to get the kingdom for himself, and to effect this by what he does, I see that he will not succeed. The kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by active doing. He who would so win it destroys it; he who would hold it in his grasp loses it.
2. The course and nature of things is such that What was in front is now behind; What warmed anon we freezing find. Strength is of weakness oft the spoil; The store in ruins mocks our toil. Hence the sage puts away excessive effort, extravagance, and easy indulgence.
30. 1. He who would assist a lord of men in harmony with the Tao will not assert his mastery in the kingdom by force of arms. Such a course is sure to meet with its proper return.
Lucid Classics
The plain, unworked material, when divided up, becomes vessels. The sage, when put to use, becomes the head of all the officials. And in his greatest acts of government he uses no violent measures.
Suppose someone wanted to take the kingdom for himself, and to bring this about by what he does. I see he will not succeed. The kingdom is a spirit-like thing, and cannot be got by active doing. Whoever tries to win it that way destroys it. Whoever tries to hold it in his grip loses it.
Whoever helps a ruler of men in accordance with the Tao will not assert mastery in the kingdom by force of arms. Such a course is sure to draw its proper return.