When the general knows the time to fight and when not to fight; or understands when to employ large or small numbers; when government and people are of one mind; when the state is prepared, and chooses the enemy's unguarded moment for attack; when the general possesses ability, and is not interfered with by his prince. These five things are the heralds of victory. It has been said aforetime that he who knows both sides has nothing to fear in a hundred fights; he who is ignorant of the enemy, and fixes his eyes only on his own side, conquers, and the next time is defeated; he who not only is ignorant of the enemy, but also of his own resources, is invariably defeated. IV THE ORDER OF BATTLE Sun the Master said:-- The ancient masters of war first made their armies invincible, then waited until the adversary could with certainty be defeated. The causes of defeat come from within; victory is born in the enemy's camp. Skilful soldiers make defeat impossible, and further render the enemy incapable of victory. But, as it is written, the conditions necessary for victory may be present, but they cannot always be obtained. If victory be unattainable, we stand on the defensive; if victory be sure, we attack. Deficiency compels defence; super-abundance permits attack. The skilful in defence crouch, hidden in the deepest shades; the skilful in attack push to the topmost heaven.[5] If these precepts be observed, victory is certain. A victory, even if popularly proclaimed as such by the common folk, may not be a true success. To win in fight, and for the kingdom to say, "Well done," does not mark the summit of attainment. To lift an autumn fleece[6] is no proof of strength; the eyes that only see the sun and moon are not the eagle's; to hear the thunder is no great thing. As has been said aforetime, the able warrior gains the victory without desperate and bloody engagements, and wins thereby no reputation for wisdom or brave deeds. To fight is to win, for he attacks only when the enemy has sown the seeds of defeat. Moreover, the skilful soldier in a secure position does not let pass the moment when the enemy should be attacked. The army that conquers makes certain of victory, and then seeks battle. The army destined to defeat, fights, trusting that chance may bring success to its arms. The skilful leader is steadfast in the "Way"; upholds the Law, and thereby controls the issue. Touching the laws of war, it is said: first, the rule; second, the measure; third, the tables; fourth, the scales; fifth, the foretelling of victory. For the rule is the survey of land; the measure tells the amount of that land's produce; the tables its population; from the scales their weight or quality is made known; and then can we calculate victory or defeat.