The Kural or the Maxims of Tiruvalluvar/Chapter 77
CHAPTER 77
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ARMY
761. A well-organised and puissant army that feareth not danger is the first among the possessions of the prince.
762. It is only veterans that can hold out in desperate situations with grim determination, regardless of decimating attacks.
763. What though they roar even like the ocean? an army of rats will be annihilated at a single whiff of the cobra's breath.
764. That alone deserveth the name of army which knoweth no defeat, which is incapable of being corrupted, and which hath a long tradition of valour behind it.
765. That alone deserveth the name of army which can face valiantly even the God of Death if he should advance against it in all his fury.
766. Valour, honour, a clear head, and a thorough acquaintance with the history of the great wars of the past, these four are the armours of protection for an army.
767. That which deserveth the name of army always goeth for the enemy : for it is confident of overcoming him when he offereth battle.
768. Superiority of armament is a compensation when the army is lacking in dash or steadiness.
769. The army will always win provided that it is not inferior in numbers, hath no implacable jealousies, and is not left to starve without pay.
770. Even if there is no lack of troops of the line, there is no army when there are no chiefs to lead.
