चलामित्रं प्रयातो हि सुखेनावाप्तसिद्धिः पार्ष्णिग्राहमुच्छिन्द्यात् न स्थितामित्रं प्रयातः ॥ कZ_०७.१३.०८ ॥
calāmitraṃ prayāto hi sukhenāvāptasiddhiḥ pārṣṇigrāham ucchindyāt na sthitāmitraṃ prayātaḥ
Ang nagmamartsa laban sa pabagu-bagong kaaway ay mas madaling magtagumpay at kayang putulin ang umaatake mula sa likuran; ngunit hindi dapat magmartsa laban sa matatag/nakapuwestong kaaway (habang may banta pa sa likuran).
Fight the unstable opponent first (easier to split, negotiate, or defeat), thereby enabling the neutralization of the rear-threat; avoid marching on a stable enemy under rear vulnerability.