Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. 20. 利而誘之亂而取之 Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him. 取, as often in Sun Tzŭ, is used in the sense of 擊. It is rather remarkable that all the commentators, with the exception of Chang Yü, refer 亂 to the enemy: “when he is in disorder, crush him.” It is more natural to suppose that Sun Tzŭ is still illustrating the uses of deception in war. 21. 實而備之强而避之 If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. The meaning of 實 is made clear from chap. VI, where it is opposed to 虛 “weak or vulnerable spots.” 强, according to Tu Yu and other commentators, has reference to the keenness of the men as well as to numerical superiority. Capt. Calthrop evolves an extraordinarily far-fetched translation: “If there are defects, give an appearance of perfection, and awe the enemy. Pretend to be strong, and so cause the enemy to avoid you”! 22. 怒而撓之卑而驕之 If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. I follow Chang Yü in my interpretation of 怒. 卑 is expanded by Mei Yao-ch‘ên into 示以卑弱. Wang Tzŭ, quoted by Tu Yu, says that the good tactician plays with his adversary as a cat plays with a mouse, first feigning weakness and immobility, and then suddenly pouncing upon him. 23. 佚而勞之親而離之 If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. This is probably the meaning, though Mei Yao-ch‘ên has the note: 以我之佚待彼之勞 “while we are taking our ease, wait for the enemy to tire himself out.” The _Yü Lan_ has 引而勞之 “Lure him on and tire him out.” This would seem also to have been Ts‘ao Kung’s text, judging by his comment 以利勞之. If his forces are united, separate them. Less plausible is the interpretation favoured by most of the commentators: “If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them.” 24. 攻其無備出其不意 Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected. 25. 此兵家之勝不可先傳也 These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.