说苑/城濮之戰，文公謂咎犯曰：「吾卜戰而龜熸；我迎歲，彼背歲；彗星見，彼操其柄，我操其標；吾又夢與荊王搏，

城濮之戰，文公謂咎犯曰：「吾卜戰而龜熸；我迎歲，彼背歲；彗星見，彼操其柄，我操其標；吾又夢與荊王搏，彼在上，我在下。

Eric Henry

During the Chengpu campaign, Lord Wen [of Jin] said to Jiu Fan, “When I used a turtle shell to prognosticate the outcome of the war, the fire went out.

Eric Henry

Our troops are facing Jupiter, whereas our opponents have their backs to Jupiter.

吾欲無戰，子以為何如？

Eric Henry

A comet has appeared; they are grasping its handle and we its tip.

Eric Henry

I also dreamt that I was wrestling with the king of Chu; he was on top, and I was beneath.

」咎犯對曰：「卜戰龜熸，是荊人也；我迎歲，彼背歲，彼去我從之也；彗星見，彼操其柄，我操其標，以掃則彼利，以擊則我利；君夢與荊搏，彼在上，君在下，則君見天而荊王伏其罪也。

Eric Henry

I am inclined not to fight—what are your views on this?” “The extinction of the fire,” replied Jiu Fan, “applies to the fate of the men of Chu.

Eric Henry

That we are facing Jupiter while they have their backs to Jupiter is an indication that they will flee and that we will pursue.

且吾以宋、衛為主，齊、秦輔我，我合天道，獨以人事，固將勝之矣。

Eric Henry

The appearance of the comet and the fact that they are grasping its handle and we its tip is an indication that, if it is used to sweep things away, they will benefit, but, if it is used to attack, we will benefit.

Eric Henry

That you were wrestling in a dream with the king of Chu with him on top and you beneath shows that you are looking at heaven, while the king of Chu is crouched upon the earth, ready for punishment.

」文公從之，荊人大敗。

Eric Henry

Moreover, Song and Wei have supplied main components of our forces, and we enjoy the assistance of Qi and Qin as well.

Eric Henry

We are acting in accordance with the Way of Heaven and are not relying alone on the affairs of men, so we will assuredly be able to obtain a victory.” Lord Wen accepted this advice, and Chu suffered a great defeat.

Eric Henry

Fan Li and Wu Zi Xu Advise Their Rulers