commentators have not been lacking, only a few have proved equal to

the task. My friend Shéng-yfi has not fallen into this mistake. In at- tempting to provide a critical commentary for Sun Tzfi’s work, he does not lose sight of the fact that these sayings were intended for states en— gaged in internecine warfare; that the author is not concerned with the military conditions prevailing under the sovereigns of the three ancient dynasties,’ nor with the nine punitive measures prescribed to the Minister of War. 2 Again, Sun Wu loved brevity of diction, but his meaning is always deep. Whether the subject be marching an army, or handling soldiers, or estimating the enemy, or controlling the forces of victory, it is always systematically treated; the sayings are bound together in strict logical sequence, though this has been obscured by commentators who have probably failed to grasp their meaning. In his own commentary, Mei Shéng—yfi has brushed aside all the obstinate prejudices of these critics, and has tried to bring out the true meaning of Sun T zfi himself. In this way, the clouds of confusion have been dispersed and the sayings made clear. I am convinced that the present work deserves to be handed down side by side with the three great commentaries; and for a great deal that they find in the sayings, coming generations will have constant reason to thank my friend Shéng—yfi. 3

Making some allowance for the exuberance of friendship, I am inclined to endorse this favourable judgment, and would certainly place him above Ch‘en Hao in order of merit.