A ruler wishing to win should not trust a cunning enemy, even if he may be extending a hand of friendship. Because deep-rooted enmity, however, concealed, will surely come to light.

A debt should be paid off till the last penny; An enemy should be destroyed without a trace.

Till the enemy's weakness is known, he should be kept on friendly terms.

For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces.

There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy.

Experience teaches us that it is much easier to prevent an enemy from posting themselves than it is to dislodge them after they have got possession.