Page:Sonshi (Calthrop, 1905).pdf/38

16 If discipline be perfect, disorder can be simulated; if truly bold, we can feign fear; if really strong, we can feign weakness.

We simulate disorder by numbers; fear, by attitude; weakness, by battle formation.

By making skilful dispositions, we may cause the enemy to conform to them. If we offer the enemy a point of advantage; he will certainly take it: we give him an advantage, set him in motion and then fall upon him.

Wherefore, the good fighter seeks victory from battle force, and not simply at the expense of his men: while careful in his choice, he does not regard his soldiers as his only weapons; yet, when an opening or advantage shews, he pushes it to its limits.

As a log or rock which, motionless on flat ground, yet moves with ever increasing force when set on an incline, so await the opportunity, and so act when the opportunity arrives.

Therefore the force of the skilful fighter is as the impetus of a round stone rolled from the top of a high mountain.