The true master of battle
does not begin one.

He would rather retreat a step
than advance an inch.
He moves without form,
strikes without weapons,
confronts without enemies.

This is the subtle strategy:
To yield before conflict begins,
to dissolve the battle
before it takes shape.

There is no greater misfortune
than rushing into war.
To do so is to lose
the gentleness most precious.

So when weapons clash,
the one who grieves
will win.