we may not have time enough to gain our object. If we push on with a portion of the force only, the transport is lost. Discarding helmet and armour; stopping neither day nor night; marching double distance; doing double work; and finally contending with the enemy at a distance of a hundred leagues: results in the loss of the general. Since the strong men arrive first, and the tired drop in rear, only one-tenth of the forces is available.
A forced march of fifty leagues to secure an advantage may result in failure to the leader of the vanguard, for only half his men will arrive.
After a forced march of thirty leagues to secure an advantage, only two-thirds of the army will be available.
Further, a lack of ammunition, of supplies, or of stores, may lead to disaster.
The ruler who is ignorant of the designs of neighbouring princes, cannot treat with them.
He who is ignorant of mountain and forest, defile and marsh, cannot lead an army.
