When all are united, the strong are not left to go forward alone, the cowardly are not free to retreat unrestricted. In this way can a multitude be used.
Therefore in night fighting, beacons and drums are largely used; in day fighting, a great number of banners and flags and the enemy's eyes and ears are confounded.
We thus awe his army, and defeat his general’s ambition.
In the morning the spirits are keen; at midday there is a laziness; in the evening a desire to return. Wherefore, he who uses his soldiers well, avoids the time when the spirits are keen; but attacks the enemy when he is languid or seeking his camp.
Thus should the nature of energy be turned to account.
To oppose confusion with order, clamour with quiet, is to have the heart under control,
To await an enemy from a distance, to oppose hunger with satiety, rest with fatigue, is the way to husband strength.
Do not attack where lines of banners
