“The enemy will then be fearful, and should be challenged by chariot and horse, and allowed no rest.
“This is the method of fighting in valleys.”
And Lord Wen asked and said:—
“If the enemy be met in a marsh where the water is out, so that the wheels of the chariots sink in, and the shafts be covered, and the chariots and horsemen overcome by the waters, when there are no boats or oars, and it is impossible either to advance or retreat, what should be done in such a case?”
And Wu answered and said:—
“This is called water fighting. Chariots and horsemen cannot be used, and they must be put for a time on one side. Go up to the top of a high place, and look out to the four quarters. Then the state of the waters will certainly be seen; their extent, and the deep places and shallows fully ascertained. Then, by stratagem, the enemy may be defeated.
“If the enemy should cross the waters he should be engaged when half over.”
And Lord Wen asked and said:—
“If there has been long continued rain so that the horses sink, and the chariots cannot move; if the enemy appear from four quarters, and the forces are frightened, what is the course in such a case?”