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[Tu Mu, in this phrase, in his interpretation indicates that

trouble should be made for the enemy affecting their

"possessions," or, as we might say, "assets," which he considers

to be "a large army, a rich exchequer, harmony amongst the

soldiers, punctual fulfillment of commands." These give us a

whip-hand over the enemy.]

and keep them constantly engaged;

[Literally, "make servants of them." Tu Yu says "prevent them

from having any rest."]

hold out specious allurements, and make them rush to any given

point.

[Meng Shih's note contains an excellent example of the idiomatic

use of: "cause them to forget pien (the reasons for acting

otherwise than on their first impulse), and hasten in our

direction."]

11. The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of

the enemy's not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him;

not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact

that we have made our position unassailable.