II
estimation of the enemy
And Lord Wen said to Wu:—
“Chin threatens us on the west; Chu surrounds us on the south; Chao presses us in the north; Chi watches us in the east; Yen stops our rear, and Han is posted in our front. ‘Thus, the armies of six nations encompass us on every side, and our condition is very unpropitious, Canst thou relieve my anxiety?”
Wu answered and said:—
"The path of safety of a state lies first of all in vigilance. Now my Lord has already taken warning, wherefore misfortunes are yet distant.
Let me state the habits of these six countries. The forces of Chi are weighty but without solidity; the soldiers of Chin are scattered, and fight each of his own accord: the army of Chu is well ordered, but cannot endure: the soldiers of Yen
