德盛則以為畜，治平則時氣至矣。
When their virtue was greatly developed, these creatures could be used as domestic animals; and, whenever public order prevailed, they caused the vital essences appropriate to each season to appear.
故麒麟麕身牛尾，圓頂一角。
Thus, the qilin had the body of a stag, the tail of an ox, and a single round horn atop its head.
含仁懷義，音中律呂。
It harbored empathy and cherished upright action, and its calls accorded with the tones of the musical scale.
行步中矩，折旋中矩。
Whether pacing forward or turning back, its movements were in accord with proper rule.
擇土而踐，位平然後處。
It chose the earth upon which it trod and would dwell only in level, secure spots.
不群居，不旅行。
It did not live in herds and did not travel in company.
紛兮其有質文也。
Its inner and outer attributes were both complete.
幽閒則循循如也，動則有容儀。
When in repose, its posture accorded with decorum; and, when in motion, its movements were endowed with dignity.