Page:The book of war, the military classic of the Far East (IA bookofwarmilitar00caltiala).pdf/106

102 “Preparedness sees an enemy outside the gate.

“Determination before the enemy has no thought of life.

"Even after a victory, vigilance behaves as before the first encounter.

"Simplicity ensures few regulations, and preserves order.

"When the leader receives his orders, he forthwith departs. Not until the enemy has been vanquished does he speak of return. This is the duty of the general.

“Wherefore, from the day of departure of the army, the general seeks glory in death, and dreams not of return in dishonour.”

Wu the Master said:

“In war there arefour important influences,

“First, spirit; second, ground; third, opportunity; fourth, force.

“The military value of the nation’s forces of one hundred times ten thousand fighting men—depends upon the personality of one man alone; this is called the influence of spirit.