Provoke no war and begin no operation except after making a thorough reconnaissance of the theatre of operations.

It is an immense advantage even to the powerful and the strong to be based on fortified places.

Even the weak can hold their own and triumph over a powerful foe if they choose the proper theatre and operate cautiously.

The plans of thy adversaries will be baffled if thou fall back on strong positions and base thyself on them.

All-powerful is the crocodile in deep water: but out of it, it is the plaything of its foes.

The strong-wheeled chariot runneth not on the sea: nor saileth the oceangoing ship on dry land.

Behold the prince that hath planned everything beforehand and striketh at the proper objective: he wanteth no other ally than his own valour.

If the prince whose army is weak only betaketh himself to a proper theatre of war, all the endeavours of his strong foe would be vain against him.

Even if they have no proper defences and other advantages it is hard to beat a people on their own soil.

Behold the high-mettled elephant that hath faced without wincing a whole multitude of lancers: even a jackal will triumph over him when he is entangled in marshy ground.