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

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.

Every neighbouring state is an enemy and the enemy's enemy is a friend.

There is no enemy like infatuation and fire like wrath.

Even a captured enemy is not to be trusted.

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