The victories
Of the Skilful Warrior
Are not
Extraordinary victories;
They bring
Neither fame for wisdom
Nor merit for valour.
His victories
Are
Flawless;
His victory is
Flawless
Because it is
Inevitable;
He vanquishes
An already defeated enemy.
The Skilful Warrior
Takes his stand
On invulnerable ground;
He lets slip no chance
Of defeating the enemy.
The victorious army
Is victorious first
And seeks battle later;
The defeated army
Does battle first
And seeks victory later.
The Skilful Strategist
Cultivates
The Way