The skilful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan . Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Chʽang mountains. 617 Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, 618 and you will be attacked by head and tail both.

Asked if an army can be made to imitate the shuai-jan , 619 I should answer, Yes. For the men of Wu and the men of Yüeh are enemies; 620 yet if they are crossing a river in the same boat and are caught by a storm, they will come to each other’s assistance just as the left hand helps the right. 621