"In ancient times, Prince Huan of Chi assembled 50,000 men at arms, and became chief among the princes; Prince Wen of Chin put 40,000 mighty men in the van, and gained his ambition; Prince Mu of Chin gathered together 30,000 invincibles, and subdued his neighbouring foes. Wherefore, the princes of powerful states must consider their people, and assemble the valiant and spirited men by companies. "Those who delight to attack, and to display their valour and fealty should be formed in companies. "Those skilful in scaling heights, or covering long distances, and who are quick and light of foot must be collected in companies. "Retainers who have lost their rank, and who are desirous of displaying their prowess before their superiors should be gathered into companies. "Those who have abandoned a castle, or deserted their trust, and are desirous of atoning for their misconduct, should be collected and formed into companies. "These five bodies form the flower of the army. With 3,000 of such troops, if they issue from within, an encompassing enemy can be burst asunder; if they enter from without, a castle can be overthrown." Lord Wen asked and said:-- "I desire to know how to fix the battle array, render defence secure, and attack with certainty of victory." Wu answered and said:-- "To see with the eye is better than ready words. Yet, I say, if the wise men be put in authority and the ignorant in low places, then the army is already arranged. "If the people be free from anxiety about their estates, and love their officials, then defence is already secure. "If all the lieges be proud of their lord, and think ill of neighbouring states, then is the battle already won." The Lord Wen once assembled a number of his subjects to discuss affairs of state: and none could equal him in wisdom, and when he left the council chamber his face was pleased. Then Wu advanced and said:-- In ancient times, Lord Chuang of Chu once consulted with his lieges, and none were like unto him in wisdom; and when the Lord left the council chamber his countenance was troubled. Then the Duke Shen asked and said: "Why is my Lord troubled?" And he answered: "I have heard that the world is never without sages, and that in every country there are wise men; that good advisers are the foundation of an empire; and friends of dominion. Now, if I, lacking wisdom, have no equal among the multitude of my officers, dangerous indeed is the state of Chu. It grieves me that whereas Prince Chuang of Chu was troubled in a like case my Lord should be pleased." And hearing this Lord Wen was inwardly troubled. II ESTIMATION OF THE ENEMY And Lord Wen said to Wu:-- "Chin threatens us on the west; Chu surrounds us on the south; Chao presses us in the north; Chi watches us in the east; Yen stops our rear, and Han is posted in our front. Thus, the armies of six nations encompass us on every side, and our condition is very unpropitious. Canst thou relieve my anxiety?"