army; that the king knew that interference with the general in the field was, vide The Articles, a grave error; and that therefore he must set aside this message from home. The two leaders were beheaded before their companies, and two others put in their place, who, fearful of meeting the same fate, made excellent leaders.
This is all that Chinese history has to say about Sonshi; but with its usual irrevelance, and as if to make good the deficiency, the following story is told of his descendant, Sonpin (孫臏), who lived some 145 years later.
In his youth Sonpin had studied war under a certain master, in company with a man called Hoken. The latter afterwards entered the service of a state, and rising to be generalissimo, had great ambitions, but felt that he had a superior in the art of war in Sonpin, his fellow student of former days.
He heard that Sonpin was still unemployed, and conceiving base designs, he asked the latter to come and see him. Sonpin hastened gladly to see his old schoolmate, but did not get a reception suitable to a friend of long standing. Hoken treated him as a criminal, branded his forehead, and cut the tendons of his legs; then, thinking that Sonpin was no longer in a position to use his talents, turned him adrift.
At that time an envoy from a neighbouring state was about to return to his court; to him Sonpin went and told his story. The envoy, feeling that notwithstanding the loss of his legs, Sonpin might be of service to his lord, hid him in his wagon, and took him back to his country.
Sonpin’s services were retained, and in a succeeding war, his advice giving victory, he was offered the surpreme command. He however refused to displace the then Commander in Chief, to whom the soldiers gave loyal support, and preferred to remain Chief of the staff.
Then came his opportunity. A neighbouring state asked for help against the country of which Hoken was generalissimo. The army was set in motion, and Sonpin, riding in a wagon, considered the plan of campaign. Instead of proceeding to the scene of hostilities, Sonpin placed the army across Hoken’s line of communications, which quickly drew the latter thither. Now, Sonpin knowing that Hoken diligently followed the
