Wherefore the spirit of the good fighter is terrifying, his occasions sudden; like the stretched cross-bow, whose string is released at the touch of the trigger.
In the maze and tumult of the battle, there is no confusion; in the thick of action the battle array is impenetrable.
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 subdivision; fear, by spirit; weakness, by battle formation.
We set the enemy in motion by adopting different formations to which he must conform.
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 spirit, and does not depend entirely upon the skill of his men. He is careful in his choice, and leaves the rest to battle force; yet, when an opening or advantage shows, 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.
If the general be skilful, the spirit of his troops is as the impetus of a round stone rolled from the top of a high mountain.