Page:Sonshi (Calthrop, 1905).pdf/52

30 An advance, followed by sudden retirement, is a lure to attack.

When the enemy use their weapons to rest upon, they are hungry.

If the drawers of water drink at the the river, the enemy is suffering from thirst.

Disregard of booty that lies ready at hand is a sign of exhaustion.

The clustering of birds round a position shews that it is unoccupied.

Clamour at night betokens alarm.

Disorder in the army is a sign that the general is disregarded.

A changing about of flags and banners is a sign that the army is unsettled.

If the officers are angry, it is because the soldiers are tired, and slow to obey.

The killing of horses for food shews that the enemy is short of provisions.

When they east away their cooking-pots, as if with no intention of returning, the soldiers are desperate.

Exceeding graciousness and familiarity on the part of the general shews that he has lost the favour of the soldiers.

Frequent rewards shew that discipline is at an end,

Frequent punishments shew that the army is weary and troubled.

The general who first blusters, and then over-fearful, has faulty information.