Now a soldier’s spirit is keenest in the morning; 387 by noonday it has begun to flag; and in the evening, his mind is bent only on returning to camp.

A clever general, therefore, 388 avoids an army when its spirit is keen, but attacks it when it is sluggish and inclined to return. This is the art of studying moods. 389

Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy:⁠—this is the art of retaining self-possession.

To be near the goal while the enemy is still far from it, to wait at ease 390 while the enemy is toiling and struggling, to be well-fed while the enemy is famished:⁠—this is the art of husbanding one’s strength.