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[Ts'ao Kung defines the Chinese word translated here as

"cowardice" as being of the man "whom timidity prevents from

advancing to seize an advantage," and Wang Hsi adds "who is quick

to flee at the sight of danger." Meng Shih gives the closer

paraphrase "he who is bent on returning alive," this is, the man

who will never take a risk. But, as Sun Tzŭ knew, nothing is to

be achieved in war unless you are willing to take risks. T'ai

Kung said: "He who lets an advantage slip will subsequently bring

upon himself real disaster." In 404 A.D., Liu Yu pursued the

rebel Huan Hsuan up the Yangtsze and fought a naval battle with

him at the island of Ch'eng-hung. The loyal troops numbered only

a few thousands, while their opponents were in great force. But

Huan Hsuan, fearing the fate which was in store for him should be

be overcome, had a light boat made fast to the side of his

war-junk, so that he might escape, if necessary, at a moment's

notice.