country is of necessity strong; if he is divided in his allegiance, then is the country weak.
Now the army is ever fearful that its prince and civil counsellors may err in these three ways, namely:—
Ignorant that the army in the field is unable to advance, to order it to go forward; or, ignorant that the army cannot retreat, order it to retire.
This is to tie the army as with a string.
Ignorant of the management of armies, to forget their complexity, and dictate inflexible rules for their guidance,
This is to perplex the soldiers.
Ignorant of the situation of the army, to interfere in its dispositions.
This is to fill the soldiers with distrust.
If the army be perplexed and distrustful, then do neighbouring princes conspire and the army is confounded.
This is to offer victory to the enemy.
Knowledge of these five matters bring victory:—
He conquers who knows when to fight, and when not to fight; who understands the employment of large and small numbers; whose Government and people are of one mind and of one desire; who, ever prepared, chooses the enemy’s unguarded moment for his attack; who, possessing ability, is not interfered with by his prince.
Whosoever understands these five matters, is on the path to victory.
