صفحة 6 من 266

[Tu Yu quotes Wang Tzŭ as saying: "Without constant practice, the

officers will be nervous and undecided when mustering for battle;

without constant practice, the general will be wavering and

irresolute when the crisis is at hand."]

(7) In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward

and punishment?

[On which side is there the most absolute certainty that merit

will be properly rewarded and misdeeds summarily punished?]

14. By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory

or defeat.

15. The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it,

will conquer:-let such a one be retained in command! The general

that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer

defeat:-let such a one be dismissed!

[The form of this paragraph reminds us that Sun Tzŭ's treatise

was composed expressly for the benefit of his patron Ho Lu, king

of the Wu State.]