Page:Sonshi (Calthrop, 1905).pdf/37

Rh The methods of skilful employment of the strategic force are, like the heaven and earth, infinite and without end; as the tides and the flow of rivers, unceasing; like the sun and moon, forever interchanging; coming and passing, as the seasons.

There are five notes; but by combinations, innumerable harmonies are produced. There are but five colours; but if we mix them, the shades are infinite. There are five tastes but if we mix them there are more flavours than the palate can distinguish.

Similarly, there is the detaining, or evident force, and the strategic force; but how many plans of battle can we not get from their combination! It is like unto a revolving wheel, perpetually changing, and without finality.

Like the rush of maddened torrents which carries away rocks, so is the shock of battle.

Like the well judged cast of the falcon, in a flash crushing its quarry, so should that force be exerted.

Wherefore the good fighter, his force ever ready to be launched, and that swiftly, is like the stretched cross-bow, whose string is released at the touch of the trigger.

In the confusion of the attack, order is still preserved; the battle array is perfect, impenetrable.