56. The Wanderer (Lu)

Fire over mountain. Represents the wanderer who must remain true to their inner nature.

Line 1: If the wanderer busies himself with trivial things, he draws down misfortune upon himself.
Line 2: The wanderer comes to an inn. He has his property with him. He acquires the perseverance of a young servant.
Line 3: The wanderer's inn burns down. He loses the steadfastness of his young servant. Danger.
Line 4: The wanderer rests in a shelter. He obtains his property and an ax. My heart is not glad.
Line 5: He shoots a pheasant. It drops with the first arrow. In the end this brings both praise and office.
Line 6: The bird's nest burns up. The wanderer laughs at first, then must weep and lament. Through carelessness he loses his cow. Misfortune.