No action take, no foe despise
Until you have surveyed the place.
Many are gains of fortresses
Ev'n to kings of power and prowess.
Weaklings too withstand foe's offence
In proper fields of strong defence.
If fighters fight in vantage field
The plans of foes shall be baffled.
In water crocodile prevails
In land before others it fails.
Sea-going ship goes not on shore
Nor on sea the strong-wheeled car.
No aid but daring dash they need
When field is chosen right for deed.
Though force is small, if place is right
One quells a foe of well-armed might.
To face a foe at home is vain
Though fort and status are not fine.
A fox can kill a war tusker
Fearless with feet in deep quagmire.
JUDGING THE PLACE
