XI.
ASSAULT BY FIRE.
Son the Master said:—
There are five ways of attack by fire:
The first is called barrack burning; the second, Store depot burning; the third, commissariat burning; the fourth, Armoury and store house burning; the fifth, the company burning.
Fire assault requires an incendiary. Further; appliances must always be kept at hand.
There is a time and day proper for the setting and carrying out of the fire assault; namely: such time as the weather is dry; and a day when the moon is in the quarters of the stars Ki-Heki Yoku Chin: for these are days of wind.
Regard well the five burning’s in their various relations. When fire breaks out in the enemy’s lines, thrust upon him with all speed.
If fire breaks out in the enemy’s camp, but his soldiers are quiet, wait, and do not attack.
When fully satisfied that the fire is at its height, attack or not, as it may seem fit unto you.
If the opportunity be favourable, set fire to the outside of the enemy’s camp, without waiting for the fire to originate.
When fire breaks out on the windward side, do not attack from the leeward. Wind that rises in the day lasts long. Wind that rises in the night time quickly passes away.
If the peculiarities of the five burnings are known, and the almanac studied, then, when the army brings fire to the attack, victory is clear.
The attack assisted by water is strong.
Water may be used to divide the enemy in two ; but it only causes him temporary inconvenience. For, a victory or a capture which has no important results, and from which the enemy quickly recovers, is to be condemned. The war drags on, and money is spent.
Let the enlightened Lord consider well; and the good general keep the main object in view. If no advantage is to be gained thereby do not move; without prospect of victory, do not use the soldiers; fight not unless the country be endangered.
War should not be undertaken because the Lord is
in a moment of passion. The general must not fight nursing passion in his heart.
Do not make war unless victory may be gained thereby; if there be prospect of victory move, if there is no prospect do not move.
For anger may change to gladness, passion to joy: but a country once overturned, cannot be restored; the dead cannot be brought to life.
Wherefore, the enlightened Lord is circumspect, and the good general takes good heed; then is the country tranquil, and the army preserved intact.