autumn fleece[1] is no mark of strength; the eyes that only see the sun and moon are not the eagles; to hear the thunder is no great thing.
As has been said aforetime, the able warrior gains the victory without desperate and bloody engagements, but wins thereby no reputation for wisdom or brave deeds, for it seems a thing that cannot be helped; his performance is such that the enemy seems preordained to defeat.
Moreover, the skilful soldier in a secure position, does not let pass the moment when the enemy should be attacked.
The army that conquers decides before fighting that victory can be gained.
The army destined to defeat, fights, trusting that chance may bring success to its arms.
The state whose general is careful in his treatment of the people, and upright in his dealing, cannot be shaken.
Touching the laws of war, it is said:—first, the rule; second, the measure; third, the tables; fourth, the scales; fifth, the foretelling of victory.
For the rule is the survey of land; the measure tells the amount of that land’s produce; the tables its population; from the scales their weight or quality is made known; and then can we calculate victory or defeat.
The army fit to conquer as against the army des-
- ↑ An animal's coat is thinnest in autumn.
