So the principles of warfare are: Do not depend on the enemy not coming, but depend on our readiness against him. Do not depend on the enemy not attacking, but depend on our position that cannot be attacked.

And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.

Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.

Who can determine where one ends and the other begins?

One who speaks deferentially but increases his preparations will advance. One who speaks belligerently and advances hastily will retreat.

Plan for what is difficult while it is easy, do what is great while it is small.

The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both.