Move not unless you see an advantage; 715 use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical. 716

No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique. 717

If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are. 718

Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. 719

But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; 720 nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.