Page 95 of 266

[Chang Yu says: "Presence of mind is the general's most important

asset. It is the quality which enables him to discipline disorder

and to inspire courage into the panic-stricken." The great

general Li Ching (A.D. 571-649) has a saying: "Attacking does not

merely consist in assaulting walled cities or striking at an army

in battle array; it must include the art of assailing the enemy's

mental equilibrium."]

28. Now a soldier's spirit is keenest in the morning;

[Always provided, I suppose, that he has had breakfast. At the

battle of the Trebia, the Romans were foolishly allowed to fight

fasting, whereas Hannibal's men had breakfasted at their leisure.

See Livy, XXI, liv. 8, lv. 1 and 8.]

by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is

bent only on returning to camp.

29. A clever general, therefore, avoids an army when its spirit

is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to

return. This is the art of studying moods.