Among the people near the frontier, there was one skilled at prognostication. For no reason, his horse ran off into the territory of the barbarians; everyone consoled him. His father said:” As for this, why can’t it become good fortune?” After several months, his horse returned leading some good barbarian horses; everyone congratulated him. His father said,” As for this, why can’t it become a disaster?” Since there were many good horses in the household, his son became fond of riding, fell off a horse, and broke his thigh bone; everyone consoled the son’s father. His father said, “ As for this, why can’t it become good fortune?” After a year, the barbarians entered the frontier in great numbers. All the adult males picked up their bows to go fight. Of the people near the frontier, nine out of ten died. Only because of this man’s son’s lameness, could father and son both be safe [secure]. Thus, as to how fortune becomes misfortune and misfortune becomes fortune, this transformation cannot be utterly known; its depth cannot be fathomed.