孫 子 兵 法 Sun Zi – The Art of War

Chinese strategy explained : know yourself and the ennemy, use deception, spies, and "win with ease". Tr. Giles (en, annotated) and Amiot (fr).

Introduction
I. Laying Plans
II. Waging War
III. Attack by Stratagem
IV. Tactical Dispositions

V. Energy
VI. Weak Points and Strong
VII. Maneuvering
VIII. Variation in Tactics
IX. The Army On The March

X. Terrain
XI. The Nine Situations
XII. The Attack By Fire
XIII. The Use of Spies

火攻第十二

The Attack By Fire

Rather more than half the chapter (SS. 1-13) is devoted to the subject of fire, after which the author branches off into other topics.

Sunzi XII. 2.


	行火必有因因必素具

In order to carry out an attack, we must have means available.1 The material for raising fire should always be kept in readiness.2

1. T`sao Kung thinks that "traitors in the enemy's camp" are referred to. But Ch`en Hao is more likely to be right in saying: "We must have favorable circumstances in general, not merely traitors to help us." Chia Lin says: "We must avail ourselves of wind and dry weather."

2. Tu Mu suggests as material for making fire: "dry vegetable matter, reeds, brushwood, straw, grease, oil, etc." Here we have the material cause. Chang Yu says: "vessels for hoarding fire, stuff for lighting fires."

Giles XII.2.

Avant que d'entreprendre ce genre de combat, il faut avoir tout prévu, il faut avoir reconnu la position des ennemis, il faut s'être mis au fait de tous les chemins par où il pourrait s'échapper ou recevoir du secours, il faut s'être muni des choses nécessaires pour l'exécution du projet, il faut que le temps et les circonstances soient favorables. Préparez d'abord toutes les matières combustibles dont vous voulez faire usage. Dès que vous aurez mis le feu, faites attention à la fumée.

Amiot

Sun Zi XII. 2.