Speak to me Master Sun,
of the art of war.

Listen then my son,
and know you well,

I

that in war,
the Way is to avoid what is strong,
and to strike what is weak.

II

Know also,
that all warfare is based on deception.

Hence,
When able to attack, we must seem unable;
When using our forces, we must seem inactive;
When we are near,
the enemy must believe we are far away;
When far away,
we must make him believe we are near.

Hold out baits to entice the enemy.
Feign disorder, disunity, and crush him.

If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him.
If he is in superior strength, avoid and evade him.

If your opponent is of choleric temper, irritate him.
Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

If he is taking his ease, give him no rest.
If his forces are united, separate them.

Attack where he is unprepared,
appear where you are not expected.

These military devices, leading to victory,
Must not be divulged beforehand.

III

And,
If you know the enemy and know yourself,
you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
If you know yourself but not your enemy,
for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.
If you know neither the enemy nor yourself,
you will succumb in every battle.

IV

However,
to fight and conquer in all your battles
is not supreme excellence:
Supreme excellence consists
in breaking the enemy's resistance,
without fighting.

V

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist
seeks battle only after victory has been won,
whereas he who is destined to defeat,
first fights, and afterwards, looks for victory.

Ross Nepia Himona