Page 37 sur 266

[Chang Yu says this is done, "By concealing the disposition of

his troops, covering up his tracks, and taking unremitting

precautions."]

but cannot make certain of defeating the enemy.

4. Hence the saying: One may know how to conquer without being

able to do it.

5. Security against defeat implies defensive tactics; ability to

defeat the enemy means taking the offensive.

[I retain the sense found in a similar passage in §§ 1-3, in

spite of the fact that the commentators are all against me. The

meaning they give, "He who cannot conquer takes the defensive,"

is plausible enough.]

6. Standing on the defensive indicates insufficient strength;

attacking, a superabundance of strength.

7. The general who is skilled in defence hides in the most secret

recesses of the earth;

[Literally, "hides under the ninth earth," which is a metaphor

indicating the utmost secrecy and concealment, so that the enemy

may not know his whereabouts."]