It is the nature of soldiers to defend when surrounded, to fight with energy when compelled thereto, to pursue the enemy if he retreat,
He cannot treat with other rulers who knows not their ambitions.
He who knows not mountain and forest; cliffs; ravines; lakes and marshes; cannot conduct an army.
He who does not use guides, cannot take advantage of the ground.
He who has not a complete knowledge of the Nine Grounds, cannot gain military dominion.
The great general, when attacking a powerful nation, prevents the enemy from concentrating his hosts.
He overawes the enemy so that other states cannot join against him.
He does not struggle for the favour of other states; nor is he careful of their rights, He has confidence in himself, and awes the enemy.
Therefore he easily takes the fortress, or reduces the country to subjection.
