The Book of War: The Military Classic of the Far EastThe Articles of Suntzu; The Sayings of Wutzu-3

I

THE GOVERNMENT OF A COUNTRY

And Wu the Master said:—

The mighty rulers of old first trained

their retainers, and then extended their

regard to their outlying feudatories.

There are four discords:—

[Pg 78]

Discord in the state: then never make war.

Discord in the army: then do not strike

camp.

Discord in the camp: then do not advance

to attack.

Discord in the battle array: then seek

not to decide the issue.

Therefore, wise rulers who would employ

their subjects in great endeavours, should

first establish harmony among them.

Lend not a ready ear to human counsellors,

but lay the matter before the altar; seek

inside the turtle,[19] and consider well the

time and season. Then, if all be well,

commit ourselves to the undertaking.

If the people know that their lord is careful

of their lives, and laments their death

beyond all else; then, in the time of danger,

the soldiers advance, and, advancing, find

glory in death; and in survival after retreat,

dishonour.

The Master said:—

The Way must follow the only true[Pg 79]

path: righteousness lies at the root of

achievement and merit.

The object of stratagem is to avoid loss

and gain advantage.

The object of government is to guard

enterprise and to preserve the state.

If conduct depart from the Way, and

the undertaking accord not with righteousness,

then disaster befalls the mighty.

Therefore, wise men maintain order by

keeping in the Way, and governing with

righteousness; they move with discretion,

and with benevolence they make the people

amenable.

If these four virtues be practised, there

is prosperity; if they be neglected, there

is decay.

For, when Lord Tang of Cheng defeated

Lord Chieh, the people of Hsia rejoiced,

and when Wu of Chou defeated Lord

Chou, the people of Yin were not discomfited.

And this was because it was

ordained by Providence and human desire.

The Master said:—

In the government of a country and[Pg 80]

command of an army, the inculcation of

propriety, stimulation of righteousness, and

the promotion of a sense of shame are

required.

When men possess a sense of shame,

they will attack with resolution when in

strength, and when few in number defend

to the last.

But while victory is easy in attack, it

is difficult in defence.

Now, of the fighting races below heaven;

those who gained five victories have been

worn out; those who have won four victories

have been impoverished; three victories

have given dominion; two victories have

founded a kingdom; and upon one victory

an empire has been established.

For those who have gained power on

earth by many victories are few; and those

who have lost it, many.

The Master said:—

The causes of war are five:—

First, ambition; second, profit; third,

overburdened hate; fourth, internal disorder;

fifth, famine.

[Pg 81]

Again, the natures of war are five:—

First, a righteous war; second, a war of

might; third, a war of revenge; fourth, a

war of tyranny; fifth, an unrighteous war.

The prevention of tyranny and the restoration

of order is just; to strike in reliance

on numbers is oppression; to raise the

standard for reasons of anger is a war of

revenge; to quit propriety, and seize advantage

is tyranny; when the state is disordered

and the people worn out, to harbour

designs, and set a multitude in motion, is

a war of unrighteousness.

There is a way of overcoming each of

these five.

Righteousness is overcome by propriety;

might by humanity; revenge by words;

tyranny by deception; unrighteousness by

strategy.

Lord Wen asked and said:—

“I would know the way to control an

army, to measure men, and make the

country strong.”

Wu answered and said:—

“The enlightened rulers of antiquity[Pg 82]

respected propriety between sovereign and

people; established etiquette between high

and low; settled officials and citizens in close

accord; gave instruction in accordance with

custom; selected men of ability, and thereby

provided against what should come to pass.

“In ancient times, Prince Huan of Chi

assembled 50,000 men at arms, and became

chief among the princes; Prince Wen of

Chin put 40,000 mighty men in the van,

and gained his ambition; Prince Mu of

Chin gathered together 30,000 invincibles,

and subdued his neighbouring foes. Wherefore,

the princes of powerful states must

consider their people, and assemble the

valiant and spirited men by companies.

“Those who delight to attack, and to

display their valour and fealty should be

formed in companies.

“Those skilful in scaling heights, or

covering long distances, and who are quick

and light of foot must be collected in

companies.

“Retainers who have lost their rank, and

who are desirous of displaying their prowess[Pg 83]

before their superiors should be gathered

into companies.

“Those who have abandoned a castle, or

deserted their trust, and are desirous of

atoning for their misconduct, should be

collected and formed into companies.

“These five bodies form the flower of the

army. With 3,000 of such troops, if they

issue from within, an encompassing enemy

can be burst asunder; if they enter from

without, a castle can be overthrown.”

Lord Wen asked and said:—

“I desire to know how to fix the battle

array, render defence secure, and attack

with certainty of victory.”

Wu answered and said:—

“To see with the eye is better than ready

words. Yet, I say, if the wise men be put

in authority and the ignorant in low places,

then the army is already arranged.

“If the people be free from anxiety

about their estates, and love their officials,

then defence is already secure.

“If all the lieges be proud of their lord,

and think ill of neighbouring states, then

is the battle already won.”

[Pg 84]

The Lord Wen once assembled a number

of his subjects to discuss affairs of state:

and none could equal him in wisdom, and

when he left the council chamber his face

was pleased.

Then Wu advanced and said:—

In ancient times, Lord Chuang of Chu

once consulted with his lieges, and none were

like unto him in wisdom; and when the

Lord left the council chamber his countenance

was troubled. Then the Duke Shen

asked and said: “Why is my Lord

troubled?” And he answered: “I have

heard that the world is never without sages,

and that in every country there are wise

men; that good advisers are the foundation

of an empire; and friends of dominion.

Now, if I, lacking wisdom, have no equal

among the multitude of my officers, dangerous

indeed is the state of Chu. It grieves

me that whereas Prince Chuang of Chu

was troubled in a like case my Lord should

be pleased.”

And hearing this Lord Wen was inwardly

troubled.

[Pg 85]

II

ESTIMATION OF THE ENEMY

And Lord Wen said to Wu:—

“Chin threatens us on the west; Chu

surrounds us on the south; Chao presses

us in the north; Chi watches us in the

east; Yen stops our rear, and Han is

posted in our front. Thus, the armies of

six nations encompass us on every side, and

our condition is very unpropitious. Canst

thou relieve my anxiety?”

Wu answered and said:—

“The path of safety of a state lies first

of all in vigilance. Now my Lord has

already taken warning, wherefore misfortunes

are yet distant.

“Let me state the habits of these six

countries. The forces of Chi are weighty

but without solidity; the soldiers of Chin

are scattered, and fight each of his own

accord: the army of Chu is well ordered,

but cannot endure: the soldiers of Yen[Pg 86]

defend well, but are without dash: the

armies of the three Chins are well governed,

but cannot be used.

“The nature of Chi is stubborn and the

country rich, but prince and officials are

proud and luxurious, and neglectful of the

common people; government is loose and

rewards not impartial; in one camp there

are two minds; the front is heavy, but the

rear is light. Therefore it is ponderous

without stability. To attack it, the force

must be divided into three parts, and, by

threatening it on three sides, its front can

be broken.

“The nature of Chin is strong, the

country rugged, and the government firm;

rewards and punishments just, the people

indomitable, and all have the fighting

spirit; wherefore, when separated, each

fights of his own accord.

“To defeat this people, they must first

be tempted by gain to leave their cause,

so that the soldiers, greedy of profit, desert

their general: then, taking advantage of

their disobedience, their scattered forces[Pg 87]

can be chased, ambushes laid, favourable

opportunities taken, and their general

captured.

“The nature of Chu is weak, its territory

wide, the government weak, and the people

exhausted; the troops are well ordered but

of short endurance.

“The way to defeat them is to assault

their camp, throw it into confusion and

crush their spirit, advance softly, and retire

quickly; tire them out, avoid a serious

encounter, and they may be defeated.

“The nature of Yen is straightforward;

its people are cautious, loving courage and

righteousness, and without guile; wherefore

they defend but are not daring.

“The way to defeat them is to draw

close and press them; tease them and pass

to a distance; move quickly, and appear in

the rear, thus causing bewilderment to their

officers and fear in their ranks. Our chariots

and horsemen will act with circumspection

and avoid encounter. Thus their general

can be captured.

“The three Chins are the middle king[Pg 88]dom:

their nature is peaceful and their

rule just. Their people are tired of war;

their troops are trained, but their leaders

are despised; pay is small, and the soldiers

lack the spirit of sacrifice, thus they are well

governed but cannot be used.

“The way to defeat them is to threaten

them from afar. If a multitude attack—defend;

if they retreat—pursue, and tire

them out.

“In every army there are mighty warriors

with strength to lift the Censer, swifter

of foot than the war horse; who can take

the enemy’s standard, or slay his general.

If such men be selected, and set apart,

cared for and honoured, they are the life

of the army.

“Those who use the five arms[20] with skill,

who are clever, strong and quick, and careless

of the enemy, should be given rank

and decoration, and used to decide the

victory. Their parents and families should

be cared for, encouraged by rewards, and

kept in fear of punishment. These men[Pg 89]

consolidate the battle array; their presence

causes endurance.

“If these men be well selected, double

their number can be defeated.”

And Lord Wen said:—

“It is good!”

Wu the Master said:—

“In the estimation of the enemy there

are eight cases when, without consulting

the oracles, he may be attacked.

“First, an enemy who, in great wind and

cold, has risen early, started forth across ice

and rivers, and braved stress and hardships.

“Second, an enemy who, in the height of

summer, and in great heat, has risen early, has

travelled incessantly, is hungry and without

water, and is striving to reach a distance.

“Third, an enemy who has been encamped

long in one place, who is without

provisions, when the farmers are vexed

and indignant, who has suffered frequent

calamities, and whose officers are unable

to establish confidence.

“Fourth, when the enemy’s funds are

exhausted, fuel and fodder scarce; when[Pg 90]

the heavens have been overcast by long

continued rain; when there is the desire to

loot, but no place to loot withal.

“Fifth, when their numbers are few;

when water is scarce; when men and horses

are scourged by pestilence, and from no

quarter is succour at hand.

“Sixth, when night falls, and the way is

yet far; when officers and men are worn

out and fearful, weary and without food, and

have laid aside their armour and are resting.

“Seventh, when the general’s authority is

weak, the officials false, and the soldiers

unsettled; when their army has been

alarmed, and no help is forthcoming.

“Eighth, when the battle formation is not

yet fixed, or camp pitched; when climbing

a hill, or passing through a difficult place;

when half is hidden and half exposed.

“An enemy in these situations may be

smitten without hesitation.

“There are six enemies, that, without

consulting oracles, should be avoided.

“First, wide and vast territories, and a

large and rich population.

[Pg 91]

“Second, where the officials care for the

people, and bestow bountiful favours and

rewards.

“Third, where rewards are well deserved,

punishment accurately apportioned, and

operations undertaken only when the time

is fitting.

“Fourth, where merit is recognised and

given rank, wise men appointed, and ability

employed.

“Fifth, where the troops are many and

their weapons excellent.

“Sixth, when help is at hand on every

side, or from a powerful ally.

“For, if the enemy excel in the foregoing,

he must be avoided without hesitation. As

it is written, if it be judged good, advance;

if it be known to be difficult, retreat.”

And Lord Wen asked and said:—

“I desire to know how the interior of

the enemy can be known from his outer

appearance; the form of his camp by

observing his advance, and how victory

may be determined?”

And Wu answered and said:—

[Pg 92]

“If the coming of the enemy be reckless

like roaring waters, his banners and pennons

disordered, and horses and men frequently

looking behind, then ten can be struck with

one. Panic will certainly seize them.

“Before the various princes have

assembled, before harmony has been

established between lord and lieges, before

ditches have been dug, or regulations

established, and the army is alarmed;

wishing to advance, but unable; wishing

to retreat, but unable: then the force can

strike twice their numbers, and in a

hundred fights there is no fear of retreat.”

Lord Wen asked:—

“How can the enemy be certainly

defeated?”

Wu answered and said:—

“Make certain of the enemy’s real condition

and quickly strike his weak point;

strike an enemy who has just arrived from

afar, before his ranks are arranged; or one

who has eaten and has not completed his

dispositions; or an enemy who is hurrying

about, or is busily occupied; or has not[Pg 93]

made favourable use of the ground, or has

let pass the opportunity; or one who has

come a long distance, and those in rear are

late and have not rested.

“Strike an enemy who is half across

waters; or who is on a difficult or narrow

road; or whose flags and banners are in

confusion; or who is frequently changing

position; or whose general is not in accord

with the soldiers; or who is fearful.

“All such should be assaulted by the

picked men; and the remainder of the

army should be divided, and follow after

them. They may be attacked at once

without hesitation.”

III

CONTROL OF THE ARMY

Lord Wen said:—

“What is of first importance in operations

of war?”

Wu answered and said:—

“Lightness, of which there are four[Pg 94]

natures, Weight, of which there are two

natures, and Confidence must be clearly

comprehended.”

And Wen said:—

“What are these?”

And Wu answered:—

“If the way be easy, the horses are light

of foot; if the horses be light of foot, the

chariots travel freely; if the chariots travel

easily, men can ride in them without

difficulty; if the men be free to move,

the fight prospers. If the difficult and easy

ways be known, the horses are lightened;

if the horses be fed at proper intervals, the

chariots are swift; if there be plenty of oil

on the axles of the chariots, the riders are

quickly conveyed; if the spears be sharp

and the armour strong, the men make the

fight easy.

“Large rewards in advance, heavy

punishment in retreat, and impartiality

in their bestowal are required.

“He who well understands these things

is the master of victory.”

And Lord Wen asked and said:—

[Pg 95]

“By what means can the army gain the

victory?”

And Wu answered:—

“The foundation of victory is good

government.”

Again, Wen asked and said:—

“Is it not determined by numbers?”

And Wu replied:—

“If laws and orders be not clear; if

rewards and punishments be not just; if

the bell be sounded and they halt not, or

drum be beaten and men do not advance;

even if there be a hundred thousand men

at arms, they are of no avail.

“Where there is order, then there is

propriety at rest, and dignity in motion;

none can withstand the attack, and retreat

forbids pursuit; motion is regulated, and

movements to right and left are made in

answer to the signal; if the ranks be

cut asunder, formation is preserved; if

scattered, they are maintained; in fortune

or in danger, there is unity; if a number

be collected, they cannot be separated;

they may be used but not wearied; in[Pg 96]

whatever situation they are placed, nothing

under heaven can withstand them. The

army may be called a father and his

children.”

And Wu said:—

“In marching, movements and halts must

be properly adjusted, suitable occasions for

rationing not missed; the strength of men

and horses not exhausted. If these three

things be observed, the commands of the

superior can be carried out; if the commands

of the superior be carried out, order is maintained.

If advances and halts be without

method, victualling unsuitable, horses and

men tired and weary—neither unsaddled or

housed—it is because the orders cannot

be obeyed; if the orders be set aside,

there is disorder in the camp, and in

battle—defeat.”

Wu the Master said:—

“On that depository of corpses, the battlefield,

if there be certain expectation of

death, there is life; if there be happy

expectation of life, there is death. The

good general is like unto one sitting in[Pg 97]

a leaking ship, or lying under a burning

roof; the wisest man cannot contrive

against him; the strongest man cannot

destroy his composure; and the enemy’s

onslaught can be withstood. For procrastination

is the greatest enemy of the

general; disasters to the army are born of

indecision.”

Wu the Master said:—

“Men meet their death from lack of

ability or unskilfulness. Wherefore training

is the first requirement of war. One man

with a knowledge of war can teach ten; ten

men skilled in war can teach one hundred;

one hundred can teach one thousand; one

thousand can teach ten thousand; and ten

thousand men can train an army.

“An enemy from a distance should be

awaited, and struck at short range; an

enemy that is tired should be met in good

order; hunger should be opposed by full

bellies; the battle formation should be

round or square, the men should kneel or

stand; go or remain; move to the right

or left; advance or retire; concentrate or[Pg 98]

disperse; close or extend when the signal

is given.

“All these changes must be learnt, and

the weapons distributed. This is the

business of the general.”

Wu the Master said:—

“In the teaching of war, spears are given

to the short; bows and catapults to the tall;

banners and standards to the strong; the

bell and drum to the bold; fodder and

provisions to the feeble; the arrangement

of the plan to the wise. Men of the same

district should be united; and groups and

squads should help each other. At one

beat of the drum the ranks are put in

order; at two beats of the drum, formation

will be made; at three beats of the drum,

food will be issued; at four beats of the

drum, the men will prepare to march; at

five beats of the drum, ranks will be formed;

when the drums beat together, then the

standards will be raised.”

And Lord Wen asked and said:—

“What is the way of marching and halting

an army?”

[Pg 99]

And Wu answered:—

“Natural ovens and dragons’ heads should

be avoided. Natural ovens are the mouths

of large valleys. Dragons’ heads are the

extremities of large mountains. The green

dragons (banners) should be placed on the

left, and the white tigers on the right; the

red sparrows in front; the snakes and

tortoises behind; the pole star (standard)

above; and the soldiers will look to the

standard.

“When going forth to battle, the direction

of the wind must be studied; if blowing

in the direction of the enemy, the soldiers

will be assembled and follow the wind; if a

head wind, the position will be strengthened,

and a wait made for the wind to change.”

And Lord Wen asked and said:—

“In what way should horses be treated?”

And Wu answered and said:—

“The places where they are kept should

be made comfortable; fodder should be

suitable and timely. In winter their stables

should be warmed, and in summer sheltered

from the heat; their coats clipped, their[Pg 100]

feet carefully pared, their attention directed

so that they be not alarmed, their paces

regulated, and their going and halting

trained; horses and men should be in accord,

and then the horses can be used. The

harness, the saddle, bit, bridle, and reins

must be strong; if the horse be without

vice at the beginning, he can be used to

the end; if the horse be hungry it is good;

if his belly be full, his value decreases; if

the sun be falling and the way still long,

dismount frequently. For it is proper that

the men be worked, but the horses must be

used with discretion, so that they may be

prepared should the enemy suddenly attack

us.

“If these things be well known, then

there is free passage under heaven.”

[Pg 101]

IV

QUALITIES OF THE GENERAL

Wu the Master said:—

“The leader of the army is one who is

master of both arms and letters. He who

is both brave and tender can be entrusted

with troops.

“In the popular estimation of generals,

courage alone is regarded; nevertheless,

courage is but one of the qualifications of

the leader. Courage is heedless in encounter;

and rash encounter, which is

ignorant of the consequences, cannot be

called good.

“There are five matters which leaders

must carefully consider.

“First, reason; second, preparation;

third, determination; fourth, vigilance;

fifth, simplicity.

“With reason, a multitude can be controlled

like a small number.

[Pg 102]

“Preparedness sees an enemy outside the

gate.

“Determination before the enemy has no

thought of life.

“Even after a victory, vigilance behaves

as before the first encounter.

“Simplicity ensures few regulations, and

preserves order.

“When the leader receives his orders, he

forthwith departs. Not until the enemy

has been vanquished does he speak of

return. This is the duty of the general.

“Wherefore, from the day of departure

of the army, the general seeks glory in

death, and dreams not of return in dishonour.”

Wu the Master said:—

“In war there are four important influences.

“First, spirit; second, ground; third,

opportunity; fourth, force.

“The military value of the nation’s forces—of

one hundred times ten thousand

fighting men—depends upon the personality

of one man alone; this is called the

influence of spirit.

[Pg 103]

“When the road is steep and narrow, when

there are famous mountains and fastnesses

where ten men can defend and one thousand

cannot pass them by; such is the influence

of ground.

“When spies have been skilfully sown, and

mounted men pass to and from the enemy’s

camp, so that his masses are divided, his

sovereign and ministers vexed with each

other, and superiors and inferiors mutually

censorious; this is the moment of opportunity.

“When the linch-pins are secure, the oars

and sweeps ready for use in the boats, the

armed men trained for war, and the horses

exercised, we have what is called the influence

of force.

“He who understands these four matters

has the qualifications of a general. Furthermore,

dignity, virtue, benevolence, courage,

are needed to lead the troops, to calm

the multitude, to put fear in the enemy,

to remove doubts. When orders are

issued, the subordinates do not defy them.

Wheresoever the army is, that place the[Pg 104]

enemy avoids. If these four virtues be

present, the country is strong; if they be

not present, the country is overthrown.

“Of such is the good general.”

Wu the Master said:—

“The use of drums and bells is to attract

the ear; of flags, standards, and banners to

strike the eye; of laws and penalties to

put fear in the heart.

“To attract the ear the sound must be

clear; to strike the eye the colours must

be bright. The heart is awed by punishment,

therefore punishment must be strict.

“If these three matters be not ordered,

the state may, peradventure, be preserved,

but defeat by the enemy is certain. Therefore,

as it has been said (if these three

things be present), there is no departing

from the commands of the general; when

he orders, there is no going back from

death.”

Wu the Master said:—

“The secret of war is, first, to know who

is the enemy’s general, and to judge his

ability. If our plans depend on his dis[Pg 105]positions,

then success will be achieved

without toil.

“If their general be stupid, and heedlessly

trustful, he may be enticed by fraud; if

he be avaricious and careless of his fame,

he may be bribed with gifts. If he make

unconsidered movements without plan, he

should be tired out and placed in difficulties.

If the superiors be wealthy and proud,

and the inferiors avaricious and resentful,

they should be set against each other. An

enemy that is undetermined, now advancing

and then retreating, whose soldiers have

nought wherein to put their trust, should

be alarmed, and put to flight.

“When an enemy thinks lightly of the

general, and desires to return home, the

easy roads should be blocked, and the

difficult and narrow roads opened; await

their coming and capture them.

“If their advance be easy and retreat difficult,

await their coming and then advance

against them.

“If their advance be difficult and retreat

easy, then press and strike them.

[Pg 106]

“An army that is camped in marshy

ground, where there are no water-courses,

and long and frequent rains, should be

inundated.

“An army that is camped in wild

marshes, covered with dark and overhanging

grass and brambles, and swept by

frequent high winds, should be overthrown

by fire.

“An army that has halted long without

moving; whose general and soldiers have

grown careless, and neglect precautions,

should be approached by stealth, and taken

by surprise.”

Lord Wen asked, saying:—

“If the two armies be facing each other,

and the name of the enemy’s general unknown,

in what manner can we discover

it?”

And Wu answered and said:—

“A brave man of low degree, lightly

but well equipped, should be employed.

He should think only of flight and naught

of advantage. Then, if he observe the

enemy’s pursuit, if there be first a halt[Pg 107]

and then an advance, order is established.

If we retreat and the enemy pursue, but

pretend not to be able to overtake us,

see an advantage but pretend not to be

aware of it, then their general may be

called a wise general, and conflict with

him must be avoided. If their army be

full of uproar; their banners and standards

disordered, their soldiers going about or

remaining of their own accord, some in

line, others in column; if such an enemy

be eager to pursue, and see an advantage

which they are desperate to seize, then

their general is a fool: even if there be

a host, they may be taken.”

[Pg 108]

V

SUITING THE OCCASION

Lord Wen asked and said:—

“If strong chariots, good horses, strong

and valiant soldiers suddenly meet the

enemy, and are thrown into confusion, and

ranks broken, what should be done?”

And Wu answered and said:—

“In general, the method of fighting is

to effect order in daylight by means of

flags and banners, pennons and batons;

at night by gongs and drums, whistles

and flutes. If a signal be made to the

left, the troops move to the left; if to the

right, they move to the right. Advance

is made at the sound of the drum; halt

at the sound of the gong; one blast of

the whistle is for advance, two for the

rally. If those who disobey be cut down,

the forces are subject to authority. If

officers and soldiers carry out orders, a[Pg 109]

superior enemy cannot exist; no position

is impregnable in the attack.”

Lord Wen asked and said:—

“What is to be done if the enemy be

many and we be few?”

And Wu answered and said:—

“Avoid such an enemy on open ground,

and meet him in the narrow way; for,

as it is written, if 1 is to stand against

1,000, there is naught better than a pass;

if 10 are to hold against 100, there is

nothing better than a steep place; if

1,000 are to strike 10,000, there is nothing

better than a difficult place. If a small

force, with beat of gong and drum, suddenly

arise in a narrow way, even a host will

be upset. Wherefore it is written: ‘He

who has a multitude seeks the plain, and

he who has few seeks the narrow way.’”

And Lord Wen asked and said:—

“A mighty host, strong and courageous,

which is on the defence with a mountain

behind, a precipice between, high ground

on the right, and a river on the left, with

deep moats, and high walls, and which has[Pg 110]

artillery; whose retreat is like the removal

of a mountain, advance like the hurricane,

and whose supplies are in abundance, is

an enemy against whom long defence is

difficult. In effect, what should be done

in such a case?”

And Wu answered and said:—

“This indeed is a great question, whose

issue depends, not upon the might of

chariot and horse, but upon the schemes

of a wise man.

“Let 1,000 chariots and 10,000 horse, well

equipped and with foot-men added to them,

be divided into five armies, and a road

allotted to each army.

“Then if there be five armies, and each

army take a different road, the enemy will

be puzzled, and know not in what quarter

to be prepared. If the enemy’s defence be

strong and united, send envoys quickly to

him to discover his intention. If he listen

to our advices, he will strike camp and

withdraw. But, if he listen not to our

advice, but strikes down the messenger, and

burns his papers, then divide and attack[Pg 111]

from five quarters. If victorious, do not

pursue; if defeated, flee to a distance. If

feigning retreat, proceed slowly, and, if the

enemy approach, strike swiftly.

“One army will hold the enemy in front,

with another cut his rear, two more with

gags in their mouths[21] will attack his weak

point, whether on the right or on the

left. If five armies thus make alternate

onslaughts, success is certain.

“This is the way to strike strength.”

And Lord Wen asked and said:—

“If the enemy draw near and encompass

us, and we would retreat, but there is no

way, and in our multitude there is fear,

what should be done?”

And Wu answered and said:—

“In such a case, if we be many and they

be few, divide and fall upon them; if the

enemy be many and we be few, use

stratagem and act according to opportunity;

and if opportunities be untiringly seized,

even if the enemy be many, he will be

reduced to subjection.”

[Pg 112]

Lord Wen asked and said:—

“If, in a narrow valley with steep places on

either side, the enemy be met, and they are

many and we are few, what should be done?”

And Wu answered and said:—

“If they be met among hills, woods, in

deep mountains, or wide fens, advance

quickly, retire swiftly, and hesitate not. If

the enemy be suddenly met among high

mountains or deep valleys, be the first to

strike the drum and fall upon them. Let

bow and cross bow advance; shoot and

capture; observe the state of their ranks;

and, if there be confusion, do not hesitate

to strike.”

Lord Wen asked and said:—

“If the enemy be suddenly met in a

narrow place with high mountains on either

side, and advance and retreat are alike

impossible, what should be done in such a

case?”

And Wu answered and said:—

“This is called War in valleys where

numbers are of no avail. The ablest officers

should be collected, and set against the[Pg 113]

enemy. Men light of foot and well armed

should be placed in front; the chariots

divided; the horsemen drawn up, and placed

in ambush on four sides, with many leagues

between, and without showing their weapons.

Then, the enemy will certainly make his

defence firm, and neither advance or retreat.

Whereupon, the standards will be raised,

and the ranks of banners shown, the

mountains left, and camp pitched in the

plain.

“The enemy will then be fearful, and

should be challenged by chariot and horse,

and allowed no rest.

“This is the method of fighting in valleys.”

And Lord Wen asked and said:—

“If the enemy be met in a marsh where

the water is out, so that the wheels of the

chariots sink in, and the shafts be covered,

and the chariots and horsemen overcome by

the waters, when there are no boats or oars,

and it is impossible either to advance or

retreat, what should be done in such a

case?”