Page 38 sur 266

he who is skilled in attack flashes forth from the topmost

heights of heaven.

[Another metaphor, implying that he falls on his adversary like a

thunderbolt, against which there is no time to prepare. This is

the opinion of most of the commentators.]

Thus on the one hand we have ability to protect ourselves; on the

other, a victory that is complete.

8. To see victory only when it is within the ken of the common

herd is not the acme of excellence.