Page:The book of war, the military classic of the Far East (IA bookofwarmilitar00caltiala).pdf/99

Rh “By what means can the army gain the victory?

And Wu answered:

“The foundation of victory is good government.”

Again, Wen asked and said:

“Is it not determined by numbers?”

And Wu replied:

“If laws and orders be not clear; if rewards and punishments be not just; if the bell be sounded and they halt not, or drum be beaten and men do not advance; even if there be a hundred thousand men at arms, they are of no avail.

“Where there is order, then there is propriety at rest, and dignity in motion; none can withstand the attack, and retreat forbids pursuit; motion is regulated, and movements to right and left are made in answer to the signal; if the ranks be cut asunder, formation is preserved; if scattered, they are maintained; in fortune or in danger, there is unity; if a number be collected, they cannot be separated; they may be used but not wearied; in