On disputed ground, try to take the enemy in rear. On intersecting ground, look well to the defences. On path-ridden ground, cultivate intercourse. On deeply-involved ground be careful of supplies. On difficult ground, do not linger. On enclosed ground, close the path of escape. On death ground, show the soldiers that there is no chance of survival. 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. In the bestowal of rewards, or in his orders, he is not bound by ancient rule. He manages his forces as though they were one man. Orders should direct the soldiers; but while what is advantageous should be made known, what is disadvantageous should be concealed. If the forces be plunged into danger, there is survival; from death ground there is retrieval; for the force in danger gains the victory. Discover the enemy's intentions by conforming to his movements. When these are discovered, then, with one stroke, the general may be killed, even though he be one hundred leagues distant. When war is declared, close the barriers; destroy passports; prevent the passage of the enemy's spies; conduct the business of the government with vigilance. Take immediate advantage of the enemy's weakness; discover what he most values, and plan to seize it. Shape your plans according to rule, and the circumstances of the enemy. At first behave with the discretion of a maiden; then, when the enemy gives an opening, dart in like a rabbit. The enemy cannot defend himself. XII ASSAULT BY FIRE Sun the Master said:-- There are five ways of attack by fire: The first is called barrack burning; the second, commissariat burning; the third, equipment burning; the fourth, store burning; the fifth, the company burning. The moment for the fire assault must be suitable. Further, appliances must always be kept at hand. There is a time and day proper for the setting and carrying out of the fire assault; namely: such time as the weather is dry; and a day when the moon is in the quarters of the stars Chi, Pi, I, Chen: for these are days of wind.