– Third, human nature invariably fixes its gaze on the respondent more than on the questioner, and in contests and trials on the one who comes second more than on the one who leads off; thus his triumph leaves a deeper impression.
– Fourth, the resolve of the party in the right grows stronger and multiplies when he sees his opponent lay out every possible means of victory and exhaust all his arrows; his determination then rises in proportion to the stratagems he has witnessed from his adversary.
– Fifth, the din subsides and the turbulence and confusion of the initial outburst come to an end (1).
– Sixth, he has time to marshal his thoughts and determination and to ready himself for the encounter.
– Seventh, he is safe from his opponent’s withdrawing or asking to be excused, for the opponent might back out once he perceives the other’s strength and advantage, leaving the victory unseen. If, however, the opponent begins, the rightful party is secure from such withdrawal or request for reprieve.
There are other benefits (2) besides these.
The two competitors may choose among three arrangements:
- Each shoots one arrow in turn.
- Each shoots two arrows apiece—or three apiece.
- One of them finishes all of his shots (3), after which the other follows.