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[I follow the interpretation of Ts'ao Kung, also adopted by Li

Ch'uan, Tu Mu, and Chang Yu. Another possible meaning set forth

by Tu Yu, Chia Lin, Mei Tao-ch'en and Wang Hsi, is: "The general

who is first tyrannical towards his men, and then in terror lest

they should mutiny, etc." This would connect the sentence with

what went before about rewards and punishments.]

38. When envoys are sent with compliments in their mouths, it is

a sign that the enemy wishes for a truce.

[Tu Mu says: "If the enemy open friendly relations be sending

hostages, it is a sign that they are anxious for an armistice,

either because their strength is exhausted or for some other

reason." But it hardly needs a Sun Tzŭ to draw such an obvious

inference.]

39. If the enemy's troops march up angrily and remain facing ours

for a long time without either joining battle or taking

themselves off again, the situation is one that demands great

vigilance and circumspection.