In all things you should proceed in small steps
and not charge like a bull at a gate;
if you woo a lass like a thunderstorm,
you'll achieve nought, she'll turn you down.
Proceed in small steps, and you'll not frighten her,
and she'll not take you badly.

If water wants to drill through a rock -
for sure that's something you have observed quite often -
then it proceeds in small steps, drop by drop;
In small steps it will achieve its goal.
And what ants can carry together, step by step,
one could hardly believe.

If someone would try to climb a mountain in a rush
as a marten climbs up a tree -
so that his lungs would not let him down,
you'll understand that I have strong doubts.
But in small steps you can conquer any;
by walking you get further than by jumping.

But there is one thing I must say,
there is an exception, should it just happen:
In case the enemy tries to overrun the country,
then it's different.
Then you should not deal small blows,
you should beat them up by the dozen.