"I desire to know how the interior of the enemy can be known from his outer appearance; the form of his camp by observing his advance, and how victory may be determined?" And Wu answered and said:-- "If the coming of the enemy be reckless like roaring waters, his banners and pennons disordered, and horses and men frequently looking behind, then ten can be struck with one. Panic will certainly seize them. "Before the various princes have assembled, before harmony has been established between lord and lieges, before ditches have been dug, or regulations established, and the army is alarmed; wishing to advance, but unable; wishing to retreat, but unable: then the force can strike twice their numbers, and in a hundred fights there is no fear of retreat." Lord Wen asked:-- "How can the enemy be certainly defeated?" Wu answered and said:-- "Make certain of the enemy's real condition and quickly strike his weak point; strike an enemy who has just arrived from afar, before his ranks are arranged; or one who has eaten and has not completed his dispositions; or an enemy who is hurrying about, or is busily occupied; or has not made favourable use of the ground, or has let pass the opportunity; or one who has come a long distance, and those in rear are late and have not rested. "Strike an enemy who is half across waters; or who is on a difficult or narrow road; or whose flags and banners are in confusion; or who is frequently changing position; or whose general is not in accord with the soldiers; or who is fearful. "All such should be assaulted by the picked men; and the remainder of the army should be divided, and follow after them. They may be attacked at once without hesitation." III CONTROL OF THE ARMY Lord Wen said:-- "What is of first importance in operations of war?" Wu answered and said:-- "Lightness, of which there are four natures, Weight, of which there are two natures, and Confidence must be clearly comprehended." And Wen said:-- "What are these?" And Wu answered:-- "If the way be easy, the horses are light of foot; if the horses be light of foot, the chariots travel freely; if the chariots travel easily, men can ride in them without difficulty; if the men be free to move, the fight prospers. If the difficult and easy ways be known, the horses are lightened; if the horses be fed at proper intervals, the chariots are swift; if there be plenty of oil on the axles of the chariots, the riders are quickly conveyed; if the spears be sharp and the armour strong, the men make the fight easy. "Large rewards in advance, heavy punishment in retreat, and impartiality in their bestowal are required. "He who well understands these things is the master of victory." And Lord Wen asked and said:-- "By what means can the army gain the victory?" And Wu answered:-- "The foundation of victory is good government." Again, Wen asked and said:-- "Is it not determined by numbers?" And Wu replied:--