before their superiors should be gathered into companies.
“Those who have abandoned a castle, or deserted their trust, and are desirous of atoning for their misconduct, should be collected and formed into companies.
"These five bodies form the flower of the army. With 3,000 of such troops, if they issue from within, an encompassing enemy can be burst asunder; if they enter from without, a castle can be overthrown.”
Lord Wen asked and said:—
“I desire to know how to fix the battle array, render defence secure, and attack with certainty of victory.”
Wu answered and said:—
“To see with the eye is better than ready words. Yet, I say, if the wise men be put in authority and the ignorant in low places, then the army is already arranged.
“If the people be free from anxiety about their estates, and love their officials, then defence is already secure.
“If all the lieges be proud of their lord, and think ill of neighbouring states, then is the battle already won.”
