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[That is, with rapidity. Only one who knows the disastrous

effects of a long war can realize the supreme importance of

rapidity in bringing it to a close. Only two commentators seem to

favour this interpretation, but it fits well into the logic of

the context, whereas the rendering, "He who does not know the

evils of war cannot appreciate its benefits," is distinctly

pointless.]

8. The skilful soldier does not raise a second levy, neither are

his supply-waggons loaded more than twice.

[Once war is declared, he will not waste precious time in waiting

for reinforcements, nor will he return his army back for fresh

supplies, but crosses the enemy's frontier without delay. This

may seem an audacious policy to recommend, but with all great

strategists, from Julius Caesar to Napoleon Bonaparte, the value

of time-that is, being a little ahead of your opponent-has

counted for more than either numerical superiority or the nicest

calculations with regard to commissariat.]