Do not make war unless victory may be gained thereby; if there be prospect of victory, move; if there be no prospect, do not move.
For passion may change to gladness, anger passes away; but a country, once overturned, cannot be restored; the dead cannot be brought to life.
Wherefore it is written, the enlightened lord is circumspect, and the good general takes heed; then is the state secure, and the army victorious in battle.
[XIII]
THE EMPLOYMENT OF SPIES
Sun the Master said:—
Calling 100,000 men to arms, and transporting them a hundred leagues, is such an undertaking that in one day 1,000 taels of the citizens’ and nobles’ money are spent; commotions arise within and without the state; carriers fall down exhausted on the line of march of the army; and the occupations of 700,000[14] homes are upset.
Again, for years the armies may face each other; yet the issue may depend on a single day’s victory.
Wherefore, by grudging slight expense in titles and salaries to spies, to remain in ignorance of the enemy’s circumstances, is to be without humanity. Such a person is no general; he is no assistance to his lord; he is no master of victory.