Pagina 258 di 266

[Mei Yao-ch'en says: "In order to use them, one must know fact

from falsehood, and be able to discriminate between honesty and

double-dealing." Wang Hsi in a different interpretation thinks

more along the lines of "intuitive perception" and "practical

intelligence." Tu Mu strangely refers these attributes to the

spies themselves: "Before using spies we must assure ourselves as

to their integrity of character and the extent of their

experience and skill." But he continues: "A brazen face and a

crafty disposition are more dangerous than mountains or rivers;

it takes a man of genius to penetrate such." So that we are left

in some doubt as to his real opinion on the passage."]

16. They cannot be properly managed without benevolence and

straightforwardness.

[Chang Yu says: "When you have attracted them by substantial

offers, you must treat them with absolute sincerity; then they

will work for you with all their might."]