Walk in the path defined by rule,
墨 stands for 繩墨 “a marking-line,” hence a rule of conduct. See
Mencius VII. 1. xli. 2. Ts‘ao Kung explains it by the similar
metaphor 規矩 “square and compasses.” The baldness of the sentiment
rather inclines me to favour the reading 剗 adopted by Chia Lin in
place of 踐, which yields an exactly opposite sense, namely:
“Discard hard and fast rules.” Chia Lin says: 惟勝是利不可守以繩墨而爲
“Victory is the only thing that matters, and this cannot be
achieved by adhering to conventional canons.” It is unfortunate
that this variant rests on very slight authority, for the sense
yielded is certainly much more satisfactory. Napoleon, as we know,
according to the veterans of the old school whom he defeated, won
his battles by violating every accepted canon of warfare.
and accommodate yourself to the enemy until you can fight a decisive
battle.
The last four words of the Chinese are omitted by Capt. Calthrop.
Tu Mu says: 隨敵人之形若有可乘之勢則出而決戰 “Conform to the enemy’s
tactics until a favourable opportunity offers; then come forth and
engage in a battle that shall prove decisive.”