Chapter IX - The lines (continued)
IX - 1
The I is a book in which the form is determined by the lines, from the first to the last, which must be carefully observed. The six lines are mixed together according to the time when they enter the hexagram, and their substance.

IX - 2
There is difficulty in knowing the significance of the first line, while to know that of the topmost line is easy; they form the beginning and the end of the hexagram. The explanation of the first line tasked the calculating of the makers, but in the end they had but to complete this.

IX - 3
As to the variously disposed intermediate lines with their diverse formations, for determinating their qualities and discriminating the right and wrong in them, we should be unprovided but for the explanations of them.

IX - 4
Yes, moreover, if we wish to know what is likely to be preserved and what to perish, what will be lucky and what will be unlucky, this may easily be known from the lines; what may be learned from the explanations of the entire diagram embraces more than half this knowledge.

IX - 5
The second and fourth lines are of the same quality, but their positions are different, and their value is not the same; the second is the object of much commendation, and the fourth the subject of many apprehensions because of its nearness to the ruler. But for a line in a weak place it is not good to be far from a ruler, and what its subject should desire is merely to be without blame. The advantage of the second line is its being in the central place.

IX - 6
The third and fifth lines are of the same quality, but their positions are different, and the third meets with many misfortunes, while the fifth achieves much merit: this arises from one being in the noble position and the other in the mean. Are they weak? There will be peril. Are they strong? There will be victory.