Page 13 of Inspirations

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The victories

Of the Skilful Warrior

Are not

Extraordinary victories;

They bring

Neither fame for wisdom

Nor merit for valour.

His victories

Are

Flawless;

His victory is

Flawless

Because it is

Inevitable;

He vanquishes

An already defeated enemy.

The Skilful Warrior

Takes his stand

On invulnerable ground;

He lets slip no chance

Of defeating the enemy.

The victorious army

Is victorious first

And seeks battle later;

The defeated army

Does battle first

And seeks victory later.

The Skilful Strategist

Cultivates

The Way

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