Chapter 49: Knowing the Fitting Time

481.
A crow will conquer owl in broad daylight;
The king that foes would crush, needs fitting time to fight.

482.
The bond binds fortune fast is ordered effort made,
Strictly observant still of favouring season's aid.

483.
Can any work be hard in very fact,
If men use fitting means in timely act?

484.
The pendant world's dominion may be won,
In fitting time and place by action done.

485.
Who think the pendant world itself to subjugate,
With mind unruffled for the fitting time must wait.

486.
The men of mighty power their hidden energies repress,
As fighting ram recoils to rush on foe with heavier stress.

487.
The glorious ones of wrath enkindled make no outward show,
At once; they bide their time, while hidden fires within them glow.

488.
If foes' detested form they see, with patience let them bear;
When fateful hour at last they spy, — the head lies there.

489.
When hardest gain of opportunity at last is won,
With promptitude let hardest deed be done.

490.
As heron stands with folded wing, so wait in waiting hour;
As heron snaps its prey, when fortune smiles, put forth your power.