1He who would assist a lord of men in harmony with the Tao will not assert his mastery in the kingdom by force of arms.
2Such a course is sure to meet with its proper return.
3Wherever a host is stationed, briars and thorns spring up.
4In the sequence of great armies there are sure to be bad years.
5A skilful (commander) strikes a decisive blow, and stops.
6He does not dare (by continuing his operations) to assert and complete his mastery.
7He will strike the blow, but will be on his guard against being vain or boastful or arrogant in consequence of it.
8He strikes it as a matter of necessity; he strikes it, but not from a wish for mastery.
9When things have attained their strong maturity they become old.
10This may be said to be not in accordance with the Tao: and what is not in accordance with it soon comes to an end.