Now the general is the bulwark of the State: if the bulwark is
complete at all points, the State will be strong; if the bulwark is
defective, the State will be weak.
隙 cannot be restricted to anything so particular as in Capt.
Calthrop’s translation, “divided in his allegiance.” It is simply
keeping up the metaphor suggested by 周. As Li Ch‘üan tersely puts
it: 隙缺也將才不備兵必弱 “_Ch‘i_, gap, indicates deficiency; if the
general’s ability is not perfect (i.e. if he is not thoroughly
versed in his profession), his army will lack strength.”