country. At such a time the wisest man cannot mend the matter.
Therefore it is acknowledged that war cannot be too short in duration.
But though conducted with the utmost art, if long continuing, misfortunes do always appear.
In fact there never has been a country which has benefited from a prolonged war.
He who does not know the evils of war, cannot appreciate its benefits; he who is skilful in war, does not make a second levy; does not load his supply wagons thrice.
War material and arms we obtain from home: but supplies sufficient for the army’s needs can be taken from the enemy.
The cost of supplying the army in distant fields is the chief drain on the resources of a state: if the war be distant, the citizens are impoverished.
Repeated wars cause high prices, and so the farmer’s money is used up. Likewise the state funds are exhausted, and frequent levies must be made; the strength of the army is dissipated; money is spent; the citizen’s home is made bare; in all 7/10ths of his income is forfeited. Again, as regards State property, chariots are broken; horses worn out; armour and
helmet ; arrow and bow: spear; shield;[1] pike and
- ↑ The Japanese shield was a heavy rectangular piece of wood. which was set on the ground, and kept upright by a prop at the back. The Japanese sword requires both hands, and this fact probably prevented the adoption of a light portable shield. The
