"You do prepare and dress hides and leather through the four seasons, ornamenting them with red lacquer and the figures of panthers and elephants; which give not warmth in winter, neither in summer, coolness. Moreover, you make halberds, 24[18] feet long, and pikes 12 feet long, and leather (covered) chariots so large as to fill up the gateways, wheels with ornament, and naves capped with leather. Now, these are neither beautiful to the eye nor light in the chase; I know not for what use my lord makes these things. "But, although provided with these instruments of war, if the leader be not competent, a brooding hen might as well strike a badger, or a dog with young challenge the tiger: the spirit of encounter may be present, but there is no end but death. "In ancient times, the Prince Chengsang cultivated virtue, and put away military things, and his kingdom fell. "The Prince Yuhu put his trust in numbers, and delighted in war and was driven from the throne. "Therefore the enlightened ruler should ponder over these things; encourage learning and virtue in the kingdom, and be prepared against war from without. "To hesitate before the enemy is not a cause for righteousness; remorse for the fallen is not true humanity." And when Lord Wen heard these words, he himself spread a seat, and his wife offered up a cup, and Wu was appointed general before the altar. Now, in the defence of Hsihe against different states there were fought seventy-six great fights, of which sixty-four were complete victories, and the remainder undecided. And the kingdom grew and stretched 1,000 leagues on every side, which was all due to the virtue of Wu. I THE GOVERNMENT OF A COUNTRY And Wu the Master said:-- The mighty rulers of old first trained their retainers, and then extended their regard to their outlying feudatories. There are four discords:-- Discord in the state: then never make war. Discord in the army: then do not strike camp. Discord in the camp: then do not advance to attack. Discord in the battle array: then seek not to decide the issue. Therefore, wise rulers who would employ their subjects in great endeavours, should first establish harmony among them. Lend not a ready ear to human counsellors, but lay the matter before the altar; seek inside the turtle,[19] and consider well the time and season. Then, if all be well, commit ourselves to the undertaking. If the people know that their lord is careful of their lives, and laments their death beyond all else; then, in the time of danger, the soldiers advance, and, advancing, find glory in death; and in survival after retreat, dishonour. The Master said:-- The Way must follow the only true path: righteousness lies at the root of achievement and merit. The object of stratagem is to avoid loss and gain advantage. The object of government is to guard enterprise and to preserve the state.