If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack， I should say： “Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear； then he will be amenable to your will.“

　　兵之情主速，乘人之不及。由不虞之道，攻其所不戒也。

　　Rapidity is the essence of war： take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness， make your way by unexpected routes， and attack unguarded spots.

　　凡为客之道，深入则专。主人不克，The following are the principles to be observed by an invading force： The further you penetrate into a country， the greater will be the solidarity of your troops， and thus the defenders will not prevail against you.

　　掠于饶野，三军足食。

　　Make forays in fertile country in order to supply your army with food.

　　谨养而勿劳，并气积力，运兵计谋，为不可测。

　　Carefully study the well-being of your men， and do not overtax them. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. Keep your army continually on the move， and devise unfathomable plans.

　　投之无所往，死且不北。死焉不得，士人尽力。

　　Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape， and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death， there is nothing they may not achieve.

　　Officers and men alike will put forth their uttermost strength.

　　兵士甚陷则不惧，无所往则固，深入则拘，不得已则斗。

　　Soldiers when in desperate straits lose the sense of fear. If there is no place of refuge， they will stand firm. If they are in hostile country， they will show a stubborn front. If there is no help for it， they will fight hard.

　　是故其兵不修而戒，不求而得，不约而亲，不令而信，Thus， without waiting to be marshaled， the soldiers will be constantly on the qui vive； without waiting to be asked， they will do your will； without restrictions， they　will be faithful； without giving orders， they can be trusted.

　　禁祥去疑，至死无所之。

　　Prohibit the taking of omens， and do away with superstitious doubts. Then， until death itself comes， no calamity need be feared.

　　吾士无余财，非恶货也；无余命，非恶寿也。

　　If our soldiers are not overburdened with money， it is not because they have a distaste for riches； if their lives are not unduly long， it is not because they are disinclined to longevity.

　　令发之日，士卒坐者涕沾襟，偃卧者涕交颐，投之无所往，诸、刿之勇也。