Strona 196 z 266

[Chang Yu, in a quotation from another work, says: "The axiom,

that war is based on deception, does not apply only to deception

of the enemy. You must deceive even your own soldiers. Make them

follow you, but without letting them know why."]

By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents

the enemy from anticipating his purpose.

38. At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one

who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind

him. He carries his men deep into hostile territory before he

shows his hand.

[Literally, "releases the spring" (see V. § 15), that is, takes

some decisive step which makes it impossible for the army to

return-like Hsiang Yu, who sunk his ships after crossing a river.

Ch'en Hao, followed by Chia Lin, understands the words less well

as "puts forth every artifice at his command."]