if quite unequal in every way, we can flee from him.
10. 故小敵之堅大敵之擒也
Hence, though an obstinate fight may be made by a small force, in the end it must be captured by the larger force.
In other words: “C’est magnifique; mais ce n’est pas la guerre.”
11. 夫將者國之輔也輔周則國必强輔隙則國必弱
Now the general is the bulwark of the State: if the bulwark is complete at all points, the State will be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the State will be weak.
隙 cannot be restricted to anything so particular as in Capt. Calthrop’s translation, “divided in his allegiance.” It is simply keeping up the metaphor suggested by 周. As Li Ch‘üan tersely puts it: 隙缺也將才不備兵必弱 “Ch‘i, gap, indicates deficiency; if the general’s ability is not perfect (i.e. if he is not thoroughly versed in his profession), his army will lack strength.”
12. 故君之所以患於軍者三
There are three ways in which a ruler can bring misfortune upon his army:—
13. 不知軍之不可以進而謂之進不知軍之不可以退而謂之退是謂縻軍