Heaven and earth do not act from (the impulse of) any wish to be benevolent;

天地不仁，

they deal with all things as the dogs of grass are dealt with.

以万物为刍狗；

The sages do not act from (any wish to be) benevolent;

圣人不仁，

They deal with the people as the dogs of grass are dealt with.

以百姓为刍狗。

May not the space between heaven and earth be compared to a bellows?

天地之间，其犹橐龠乎？

'Tis emptied, yet it loses not its power; 'Tis moved again, and sends forth air the more.

虚而不屈，动而愈出。

Much speech to swift exhaustion lead we see; Your inner being guard, and keep it free.

多言数穷，不如守中。