If conduct depart from the Way, and the undertaking accord not with righteousness, then disaster befalls the mighty. Therefore, wise men maintain order by keeping in the Way, and governing with righteousness; they move with discretion, and with benevolence they make the people amenable. If these four virtues be practised, there is prosperity; if they be neglected, there is decay. For, when Lord Tang of Cheng defeated Lord Chieh, the people of Hsia rejoiced, and when Wu of Chou defeated Lord Chou, the people of Yin were not discomfited. And this was because it was ordained by Providence and human desire. The Master said:-- In the government of a country and command of an army, the inculcation of propriety, stimulation of righteousness, and the promotion of a sense of shame are required. When men possess a sense of shame, they will attack with resolution when in strength, and when few in number defend to the last. But while victory is easy in attack, it is difficult in defence. Now, of the fighting races below heaven; those who gained five victories have been worn out; those who have won four victories have been impoverished; three victories have given dominion; two victories have founded a kingdom; and upon one victory an empire has been established. For those who have gained power on earth by many victories are few; and those who have lost it, many. The Master said:-- The causes of war are five:-- First, ambition; second, profit; third, overburdened hate; fourth, internal disorder; fifth, famine. Again, the natures of war are five:-- First, a righteous war; second, a war of might; third, a war of revenge; fourth, a war of tyranny; fifth, an unrighteous war. The prevention of tyranny and the restoration of order is just; to strike in reliance on numbers is oppression; to raise the standard for reasons of anger is a war of revenge; to quit propriety, and seize advantage is tyranny; when the state is disordered and the people worn out, to harbour designs, and set a multitude in motion, is a war of unrighteousness. There is a way of overcoming each of these five. Righteousness is overcome by propriety; might by humanity; revenge by words; tyranny by deception; unrighteousness by strategy. Lord Wen asked and said:-- "I would know the way to control an army, to measure men, and make the country strong." Wu answered and said:-- "The enlightened rulers of antiquity respected propriety between sovereign and people; established etiquette between high and low; settled officials and citizens in close accord; gave instruction in accordance with custom; selected men of ability, and thereby provided against what should come to pass.