Kautilya's Arthashastra 7.10.26

7.10.26

pīḍanīyocchedanīyayor ucchedanīyād bhūmilābhaḥ śreyān //

Of two enemies, of whom one can only be harassed and another is reducible, acquisition of land from the latter is better; for when the latter is attacked, he, having little or no help, begins to run away, taking his army and treasure with him, and he is deserted by his subjects; whereas the former does not do so, as he has the help of his forts and friends..