II.
OPERATIONS OF WAR.
Son the master said:—
Now the requirements of War are such that we need 1,000 chariots;[1]1,000 supply wagons; and therefore 100,000 armoured men: and we must send supplies to distant fields.
Wherefore the cost at home and at the front, including the entertainment of guests;[2] glue and lacquer for repairs; and necessities for the upkeep of wagons and armour; are such that in one day, 1,000 pieces of gold are spent. With that amount a force of 100,000 men can be provided:—you have the instruments of victory.
But if the operations long continue, then the soldiers’ ardour decreases; the weapons become worn; and, if a siege be undertaken, strength disappears.
Again, if the war last long the country’s means do not suffice.
Then, when the soldiers are worn out; weapons blunted ; strength gone; and funds spent; neighbouring
princes arise and attack that weakened
- ↑ Chinese warfare was largely an affair of chariots, or might we say, "Mounted Infantry Wagons." The chariot was drawn by 2 or 4 horses and usually contained 3 archers in addition to the driver. Further, to each chariot were attached 75 footmen, and to each supply wagon 25 men.
- ↑ China was at this period full of unattached and wandering swashbucklers, who quartered themselves on states at war.
