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6. Therefore the skilful leader subdues the enemy's troops

without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying

siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy

operations in the field.

[Chia Lin notes that he only overthrows the Government, but does

no harm to individuals. The classical instance is Wu Wang, who

after having put an end to the Yin dynasty was acclaimed "Father

and mother of the people."]

7. With his forces intact he will dispute the mastery of the

Empire, and thus, without losing a man, his triumph will be

complete.

[Owing to the double meanings in the Chinese text, the latter

part of the sentence is susceptible of quite a different meaning:

"And thus, the weapon not being blunted by use, its keenness

remains perfect."]

This is the method of attacking by stratagem.

8. It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's

one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him;

[Straightway, without waiting for any further advantage.]