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[Tu Mu quotes the following from the San Lueh, ch. 2: "The

warlike prince controls his soldiers by his authority, kits them

together by good faith, and by rewards makes them serviceable. If

faith decays, there will be disruption; if rewards are deficient,

commands will not be respected."]

17. Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops

unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the

position is critical.

[Sun Tzŭ may at times appear to be over-cautious, but he never

goes so far in that direction as the remarkable passage in the

Tao Te Ching, ch. 69. "I dare not take the initiative, but prefer

to act on the defensive; I dare not advance an inch, but prefer

to retreat a foot."]

18. No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify

his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of

pique.

19. If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay

where you are.