Chapter 69
第六十九章
A master of the art of war has said, 'I do not dare to be the host (to commence the war); I prefer to be the guest (to act on the defensive).
用兵有言：“吾不敢为主，而为客；
I do not dare to advance an inch; I prefer to retire a foot.'
不敢进寸，而退尺。”
This is called marshalling the ranks where there are no ranks; baring the arms (to fight) where there are no arms to bare;
是谓行无行；攘无臂；

grasping the weapon where there is no weapon to grasp; advancing against the enemy where there is no enemy.
扔无敌；执无兵。
There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war.
祸莫大于轻敌，
To do that is near losing (the gentleness) which is so precious.
轻敌几丧吾宝。
Thus it is that when opposing weapons are (actually) crossed, he who deplores (the situation) conquers.
故抗兵相若，哀者胜矣。