Whether the object be to crush an army, to storm a city, or to assassinate an individual, it is always necessary to begin by finding out the names of the attendants, 755 the aides-de-camp, 756 and doorkeepers and sentries 757 of the general in command. 758 Our spies must be commissioned to ascertain these. 759

The enemy’s spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out, 760 tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. 761 Thus they will become converted spies and available for our service.