Pagina 155 de 266

but a power of estimating the adversary, of controlling the

forces of victory, and of shrewdly calculating difficulties,

dangers and distances, constitutes the test of a great general.

22. He who knows these things, and in fighting puts his knowledge

into practice, will win his battles. He who knows them not, nor

practises them, will surely be defeated.

23. If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must

fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not

result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's

bidding.