Tao Te Ching - 59

When leading people and serving the world;

Nothing exceeds moderation.

Moderation means being in alignment with the Tao;

Alignment with the Tao means building up virtue.

Building up virtue leads to a universal competence;

With universal competence one cannot be limited;

Not being limited means one can rule the country.

Being like a mother to the country enables one to last long.

This is known as having deep roots and a solid base,

Which is the Way to long life and lasting existence.

Translated by Chiyan Wang, edited by Robert Smitheram