40. Tao and Te

Tao is brought forth, as Te nourishes.
Everything takes form,
and is sha[ed by Nature.

Tao and Te are part of everything.
Tao and Te do not defer to anything.
Nature is unconstrained and endures forever.

Tao is made apparent by Te,
as Te nourishes, increases, feeds, protects,
and watches over Tao.

To produce without possessing is Te.
To nourish without expecting,
to increase without usurping,
to feed without demanding,
to protect without interfering:
This is the sublime Te!