from five quarters. If victorious, do not pursue; if defeated, flee to a distance. If feigning retreat, proceed slowly, and, if the enemy approach, strike swiftly.
“One army will hold the enemy in front, with another cut his rear, two more with gags in their mouths[1] will attack his weak point, whether on the right or on the left. If five armies thus make alternate onslaughts, success is certain.
“This is the way to strike strength.”
And Lord Wen asked and said:—
“If the enemy draw near and encompass us, and we would retreat, but there is no way, and in our multitude there is fear, what should be done?”
And Wu answered and said:—
"In such a case, if we be many and they be few, divide and fall upon them; if the enemy be many and we be few, use stratagem and act according to opportunity; and if opportunities be untiringly seized, even if the enemy be many, he will be reduced to subjection.”
- ↑ Silently
