The Well That Serves the Community

This flow follows the well as an image of public provision, from neglect and wasted capacity to reliable service shared by all.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Well Outlasts the Town

A Stable Source in Changing Times A town may move The opening image distinguishes a town, which can change location, from its well, whose form and water supply endure. Legge makes the well a figure for public institutions. A useful source can outlast the communities that depend on it. Benefit requires access People who come and go can draw from the well. Its value lies not only in existence but in the repeated use it makes possible. The image introduces a theme of enduring provision.

A Muddy Well Is Abandoned

Public Capacity Neglected Water no one will drink The first line depicts a muddy well to which people and animals do not come. Legge reads it as a figure for officials or institutions that have become corrupt and useless. The resource remains, but its condition prevents service. Neglect becomes exclusion When a public source is not maintained, the community loses access without the source literally disappearing. The failure belongs to those responsible for its care. The conflict begins with unused capacity.

Clear Water Cannot Be Drawn

Ability Without Use Water leaks away The second line shows water escaping through a hole or broken basket. Legge connects the image to capable resources that cannot be properly administered. Good substance is wasted through defective means. A cleaned well remains idle The third line says the well has been cleared but is not used. Legge remarks that an able officer may stand ready while an unwise ruler fails to benefit from him. The community's loss becomes a failure of recognition as well as maintenance.

The Clear Spring Is Drunk

Public Service Becomes Effective A clean source The fifth line presents a clear well with cold spring water that people can drink. Legge identifies it with a good head of government whose ability reaches the people. The resource is made useful through sound administration. Service completes the image A well is not praised simply for being deep or well-built; the water must be drawn. Legge compares political principles to the well's supply, which must be applied in practice. The community benefits when authority makes its capacity accessible.

The Well Is Left Open to All

Provision Without Hoarding Water reaches the surface The final line shows water brought up from the well and the opening left uncovered. Legge reads it as sincere provision available to everyone. The source fulfills its purpose when people can reach it. An enduring public good The well's supply is not exhausted by serving successive users. Its meaning becomes a model for institutions whose value lies in continual, fair access. The narrative resolves in service made open rather than guarded as private property.

At the opening of The Well

At the first line of The Well

At the second and third lines of The Well

At the fifth line of The Well

At the topmost line of The Well