Chapter 30
第三十章
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.
以道佐人主者，不以兵强天下。
Such a course is sure to meet with its proper return.
其事好远。
Wherever a host is stationed, briars and thorns spring up.
师之所处，荆棘生焉；
In the sequence of great armies there are sure to be bad years.
大军之后，必有凶年。

A skilful (commander) strikes a decisive blow, and stops.
善有果而已，
He does not dare (by continuing his operations) to assert and complete his mastery.
不敢以取强。
He will strike the blow, but will be on his guard against being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it.
果而勿矜，果而勿伐，果而勿骄。
He strikes it as a matter of necessity; he strikes it, but not from a wish for mastery.
果而不得已，果而勿强。
When things have attained their strong maturity they become old.
物壮则老，
This may be said to be not in accordance with the Tao: and what is not in accordance with it soon comes to an end.
是谓不道，不道早已。