As long as a matter can be resolved by strategy

Conciliation with an enemy is better than war.

When you cannot defeat an enemy by force

You must close the door of conflict with kindness.

If you fear harm from your enemy

Bind his tongue with the amulet of kindness.

Instead of thorns, scatter gold on the enemy's path

For kindness blunts sharp teeth.

When you cannot bite a hand, kiss it

For with the powerful, the solution is flattery and cajolery.

Even Rostam can be bound by strategy

As Esfandiyar could not escape the noose.

One can skin an enemy when the opportunity arises

Therefore, treat him with such conciliation as a friend.

Beware of fighting a lesser person

For I have seen many floods from a single drop.

As long as you can, do not frown

For even a weak enemy is better than losing a friend.

His enemy is fresh and his friend is wounded

For one who has more enemies than friends.

Do not fight with an army greater than yours

For one cannot press a finger on a lancet (without getting hurt).

And if you are stronger than him in battle

It is not manly to exert force over the weak.

Whether you have the strength of an elephant or the claws of a lion

In my view, peace is better than war.

When all stratagems fail

Drawing the sword becomes permissible.

If the enemy seeks peace, do not refuse

And if he seeks war, do not turn away.

For if he closes the door of battle

Your worth and awe will become one thousandfold.

And if he brings the foot of war into the stirrup

The Judge will not demand an accounting from you on Judgment Day.

You too be ready for war when he seeks enmity

For kindness with an enemy is a mistake.

When you speak to a base person with kindness and gentleness

His arrogance and insolence will increase.

With Arabian horses and valiant men

Eradicate the dust of malice from its foundation.

And if it can be achieved with gentleness and wisdom

Do not strive with harshness, anger, and severity.

When the enemy comes to the door in submission

You should not seek further contention.

When he seeks quarter, practice generosity

Forgive him, but be mindful of his deceit.

Do not turn away from the counsel of an experienced elder

For the aged one is tested by time.

They establish a firm foundation

The young with strength and the old with counsel.

Think carefully, do not flee in the heart of battle

How do you know which side will be victorious?

When you see that the army is scattered

Do not throw your sweet life to the wind alone.

If you are on the side, try to escape

And if you are in the midst, wear the enemy's clothes (disguise yourself).

And if you are a thousand and the enemy is two hundred

When night falls, do not stay in the enemy's territory.

In the dark night, fifty horsemen from ambush

With their might, they tear the earth like five hundred.

When you want to travel roads at night

First beware of ambushes.

When there is a day's journey between two armies

Remains, pitch your tent in that place.

If he takes the initiative, do not grieve

Even if he is Afrasiab, take out his brain (defeat him).

You do not know that when an army marches for a day

The strength of its powerful grasp will not remain.

You strike the remaining army with ease

For the ignorant one has wronged himself.

When you defeat the enemy, lower the banner (stop the pursuit)

So that his wounds do not reopen.

Do not pursue the fleeing enemy too far

Lest you become separated from your allies.

When you see the air like a fog from the dust of battle

They will surround you with spears and swords.

The army should not pursue plunder

Lest the king's rear be left unprotected.

The king's guarding of the army

Is better than fighting in the midst of battle.