When you draw the sword of battle

Keep the path to peace hidden.

For armies, though adorned and helmet-splitting

Seek peace secretly, while openly engaging in battle.

Seek the heart of the warrior secretly

For it may be that he falls at your feet like a ball.

When a leader of the enemy falls into your grasp

You should hesitate to kill him.

For it may be that from this side too, leadership will remain

He remains trapped in a circle.

If you kill this captive with a beard (experienced/elderly)

You will not see your own captive again.

He does not fear that time will make him a captive

Who exercises power over captives?

Someone can be a helper to captives

Who himself has been a captive in bonds.

If a leader submits to your authority

If you treat him well, another will submit as well.

If you secretly win ten hearts

It is better than launching a hundred night raids.