صفحة 41 من 266

11. What the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only

wins, but excels in winning with ease.

[The last half is literally "one who, conquering, excels in easy

conquering." Mei Yao-ch'en says: "He who only sees the obvious,

wins his battles with difficulty; he who looks below the surface

of things, wins with ease."]

12. Hence his victories bring him neither reputation for wisdom

nor credit for courage.

[Tu Mu explains this very well: "Inasmuch as his victories are

gained over circumstances that have not come to light, the world

as large knows nothing of them, and he wins no reputation for

wisdom; inasmuch as the hostile state submits before there has

been any bloodshed, he receives no credit for courage."]

13. He wins his battles by making no mistakes.