The Project Gutenberg eBook of Artemas--The Second Book, by Arthur Telford Mason

1 Artemas writeth again. 3 Concerning a journey. 7 And the things that he did learn. 13 One confesseth a secret. 17 And imparteth it. 20 His mendacity condemneth him. 22 The scribe revealeth himself.

The words of Artemas of the scribes that were in Lon in the land of En, being those words that he did write him also;

2 Of the things that were and of the things that were to be: concerning men and the things that men did do.

3 ¶ Now it came to pass on an occasion that I, being Artemas, the scribe, did journey in a certain carriage unto the city of Lon.

4 And it was a carriage that was full of a multitude, such being the wont in those days, so that I did perforce stand me up on my feet.

5 And, behold, there was a man; and he did sit upon my right hand. And there was another man also; and he did sit upon my left hand.

6 And they did hold speech, the one with the other. Yea, even as I stood up between them did they speak familiarly across me.

7 ¶ Wherefore I did learn many things concerning them, and concerning the course of the war, and concerning the rulers of the land,

8 And concerning the wives of the rulers and their children also, and concerning the money that they were possessed of, and concerning their wickedness in secret places.

9 And after I had heard many things that amazed me mightily, then he that was upon my left hand, he did speak unto the other,

10 And he did say unto him, What thinkest thou concerning the Book that is of Artemas?

11 And he that was upon my right hand, he did wriggle him about in strange ways.

12 And after that he was wriggled about sufficiently, then did he make answer and he did say,

13 ¶ Speak not unto me concerning that Book, for I have a reason. Also, it is a secret.

14 And I did ope mine ears full wide for to hear, notwithstanding that he was that manner of man that expoundeth nought save only the things that be secret.

15 And he did say unto his friend, Nevertheless, because thou hast an open countenance and art, moreover, that man whom my soul loveth,

16 Therefore dost thou prevail upon me to impart unto thee that which thou shalt tell unto no man.

18 Yea, notwithstanding that thou knowest me only as one that vendeth choice meats, nevertheless I did write me also that Book which is inscribed unto Eve.

19 And perchance I shall write me another book also if, so be it, I am spared and it pleaseth me so to do.

20 ¶ And after I had heard the things that he did say, then did I know him for a liar.

21 For he was a man that was garbed in the raiment of peace, but he that men call Artemas, is he not one of the host of En?

22 ¶ Verily, it is even so, or otherwise. But which of him be him, what man shall say anything to the contrary?

CHAPTER II.

2 Concerning David. 9 Concerning Simon. 12 Concerning Horatio. 17 Concerning Frances. 22 Concerning Lazz. 24 Concerning Reding. 27 Concerning Lanz.

Now these be the names and these the manner of men; and as it is writ about them, so also is it.

2 ¶ There was David, that was the chief ruler over all the land. And he continued in the way that he was going, gaining favour with the people continually, and filling the minds of them that hated him with bitter envy.

3 Verily, he became more so than ever before, and whatsoever there was to be done, that thing of a surety he would do. Neither was there any occasion when he was found wanting.

4 Wherefore it came to pass that those who ruled with him, after that they had got them into an hole, then they did come unto David for to raise them up again; and always he did do it.

5 And when the hearts of the men of En grew heavy within them because of the soreness of their lot, which was an hard lot, being full of trials,

6 Then would he open his mouth full wide and he would speak. And the words that he did utter, they poured forth in a fiery stream that did set the hearts of the people aflame.

7 Wherefore his enemies, they did gnash their teeth in secret, being consumed with the violence of their rage. And they did conspire together for to do him hurt; yea, his greatness, it did fret them beyond endurance.

8 Nevertheless, there was none other amongst them that did come up unto David, that ruled at a time of trouble such as never before was known in all the world.

9 ¶ Now Simon was that man who had erstwhile been a thorn in the flesh of the rulers because he did abominate the war, nor comprehend that it was requisite. Wherefore there were many that did call him Simple.

10 But after that he had perceived things, and the men of Hu, he had seen that which was in their minds, then did he gird on his armour and he did go out for to fight. For the lust of blood, it was entered into his bones.

12 ¶ Now Horatio, being the scribe of the new apocrypha, he refrained not from writing concerning Horatio, and concerning the things that Horatio, he would do.

13 And on an occasion he spake unto the people in a loud voice, saying unto them, Hearken unto my voice, ye men of En, and pay heed to the words of my mouth. For who shall be keeper of the victuals? And who the chief larderer of En?

14 Verily, there is such a man that be fit for to undertake it. And the name of the man, behold, it is Horatio!

15 And when the people had heard the things that he did say, they began to observe him closely. And they perceived that though he was given over to fatness, yet had he also an hungry eye.

16 Wherefore they made him not the chief larderer of En, neither did they choose him for to be the keeper of the victuals; for they were a crafty lot, and the size of his stomach, it was against him.

17 ¶ Now Frances, that was surnamed Loid, he was the chief of all the soldiers that were in Lon.

18 And he was for ever making him ordinances so that the fighters that were in Lon, they should know the things that they should do.

19 And on a time he did stand forth in the presence of the people, and he cried out in a loud voice, saying unto them, Why speak ye concerning my soldiers, that they be boys?

20 Know ye not that they be men, full grown and vigorous. Also, they do acquit themselves valiantly in the face of the enemy, so that all the world, it is amazed at their prowess. And he upbraided them soundly because of it.

21 Wherefore many condemned him for a fool, because he understood not that which was in the people's hearts nor perceived the meaning of the word.

22 ¶ And there was a certain man, and his name, it was Lazz. And he was one of them that was born of the enemy.

23 And because he did have friends in an high place, therefore, whatsoever he did do, that thing, it was judged in secret. Nevertheless, the judges, they did put him away.

24 ¶ Now, he that was the chief judge in the land of En, his name, it was Reding.

25 And he was one of the children of Israel, a man of honour, and of good repute throughout all the land. Also, he was a man that did follow after wisdom, having a full head and abhorring the ways of the foolish.

26 Nevertheless, the rulers did send him to uphold the dignity of En amongst the men of Amer; whereat many wondered, because he was a most fit man.

27 ¶ And there was a certain man, being of the nobles of the land, and his name it was Lanz.

28 And on an occasion he did hold forth concerning peace and concerning the blessings thereof. Wherefore there were some that said, Behold, he is possessed of a bolo.

29 And although he perceived that men, they understood him not, nevertheless he did hold forth again; and his folly was a bye-word in the land.

CHAPTER III.

1 Concerning Ronda. 6 Concerning Yapp. 7 Concerning Smuts. 9 Concerning Barnz. 16 Concerning Rep.

Now he that was chosen for to keep the food of the people, and to be the chief larderer in the land, his name, it was Ronda.

2 And the path of this man, it was beset with obstacles; and it did lie between the devil, that was the sellers of victuals, and the deep sea, that was the people.

3 And he did have dominion over the birds of the air, and over the beasts of the field, and over the fishes that were in the sea.

4 And at a word from his mouth, all the rabbits that were in the land, they did vanish out of sight; neither were they seen any more of man.

5 Nevertheless, though some did curse him openly, yet did he do that which was appointed unto him.

6 ¶ Now he that was an help unto Ronda, his name, it was Yapp. And he was a man that did buy him pig in small pieces; neither did he get him the half of a swine, save only over a long time and in fragments.

7 ¶ Now there was a certain great captain, and his name, it was Smuts. And he did come from afar off for to counsel the fighters of En.

8 And notwithstanding that his name, it was what it was, nevertheless he was a power in the land; and his words, they were sold for the price of four farthings.

9 ¶ Now, there was another man, also, and his name, it was Barnz. And notwithstanding that he was a man of labour, nevertheless, his seat was amongst the rulers of the land.

10 And he spake unto the people in a speech, and he said unto them, Who is Winston and who is he? Verily, he is that man who hath butted him in, and he hath wrought mischief throughout all the land, because of what he hath done.

11 And after he had finished speaking, behold, a clamour arose amongst all the people, and they cried out against Winston, because he had butted him in.

12 And when Barnz saw how it was with the people, and that Winston, also, he was swollen up with the anger that was in him, then did he speak unto the people again, fearing lest they had not heard him aright.

13 And he spake unto them in these words, saying, What I did mean or what I did ought to have meant, it was another thing.

14 Wherefore, understand ye all that Winston, he did not butt him in alone. For I, even I, that be Barnz, the man of labour, I also did butt me in with him. Also, and moreover, we did butt us in together.

15 And at that time, there was no butter, save only these, in all the land of En.

16 ¶ Now there was a certain man, and his name, it was Rep: and his pen, it was mightier than his sword.

17 And he did remove himself from the camp of the Amalekites and did pitch his tent amongst the children of Moab.

18 And when he was arrived in the land of Moab, he straightway sat himself down on a seat, and he did spread him out for to write.

19 Yea, he did write even such things and such things; and things also in likewise, these did he write him as well.

20 And he did rend the Amalekites with words, and the rulers of the land did he chastise most hotly; with the quill of a goose did he smite them, nor spared he any one of them at all.

21 Wherefore all those that heeded him, they did tear their clothes in the violence of their perturbation. And they did put on sackcloth and ashes, and their faces they did smear with mud, crying out in a loud voice, and saying,

22 Now is the end of all things, and now the end of En. Verily, we are thrown in the dust at the feet of our enemies, for the rulers are turned against us.

23 And they do conspire with the Amalekites for to bring about our undoing. Yea, the end of all things, it is close at hand.

24 And because they were amongst the false prophets, therefore was it not so. And, notwithstanding that Rep, he did write him thus darkly, nevertheless the people, they did get them on with the war.

25 But Rep, because he did write concerning secret matters, he paid for his temerity in an hundred pieces of gold, all good money and very precious.

CHAPTER IV

1 Willi vexeth the men of Amer. 6 Wudro warneth Willi. 10 Who taketh counsel of his chief captains. 17 And continueth in his evil ways. 21 The men of Amer make them war. 23 Willi derideth them publicly. 28 Wudro getteth him on with it. 36 And the voice of peace is heard over the waters.

Now there was great vexation of spirit amongst the men of Amer, for the servants of Willi, the king of Hu, they conspired together and they did sink the ships of Amer in the sea.

2 And whensoever a man of Amer did perish because of it, then did Willi write him an epistle concerning the matter.

3 And the grief that was writ upon the paper, behold, it was very beautiful; but the manner of atonement, it was only in talents of gold.

4 And he did seal the epistle with a seal; and, lo! it was made in the shape of a tear.

5 Now the longest rope, it hath an end. Wherefore it came to pass in time that Wudro, the son of Wyl, being he that did rule in Amer, he sent messengers unto Willi, saying unto him,

6 ¶ Such things and such things hast thou done, all these being against thy plighted word; and thine iniquity, it hath tormented me for a long time past.

8 Because I am a man of peace, therefore have I borne with thee long enough; and I am become sick unto death with thy naughtiness. And the blood of my murdered people, it crieth aloud for retribution.

9 Take heed, therefore, and mend the evil of thy ways, for, on the next occasion, assuredly shalt thou rue the day.

10 ¶ And when Willi had heard the things that Wudro, the son of Wyl, did say unto him, he sent in haste unto his chief captains, and he did commune with them.

11 And he questioned them closely concerning the words of Wudro. And he said unto them, Think ye that this man, he meaneth anything?

12 And they made answer unto him, saying, Be of good cheer, and heed him not, for he is a man that acteth only according to his advantage.

13 And the land of Amer, it prospereth exceedingly; neither doth the miller turn away the stream which worketh his wheel.

14 Also, he liveth afar off, and his servants, they are unready. Verily, the threats of such an one, they be full of emptiness; and whatsoever he sayeth, that hath he also said before.

16 And after they were finished speaking, the heart of Willi was rejoiced and his soul was filled with courage.

17 ¶ And he spake unto them in these words, saying, Assuredly are ye men after mine own understanding. Let us, therefore, see about it. And they did see about it.

18 And when word was brought unto Wudro concerning it, and how Willi made mock of his threats, then waxed he very wroth.

19 And he cried out in the violence of his anger, saying, Am I, then, Job, that be born again, to be tormented thus?

20 And he straightway called the people together, and he told them all the things that Willi had done.

21 ¶ And he said unto them, Is it, therefore, a matter for war? And they answered him with a mighty shout, saying, It is a matter for war.

22 And when Willi heard what was come to pass, he was amazed, and his knees, they did tremble beneath him.

23 ¶ Nevertheless, he commanded his servants that they should bring unto him the brazen mask, being part of the royal attire.

24 And when it was brought unto him, he did hide the light of his countenance behind it. And he raised his voice on high, and he spake, saying,

25 What of the land of Amer? And what of it? Verily, a pin that lieth in the way, it is of more account than a spike that lifteth its head at a distance.

26 Even so, the iron heel of Hu, it levelleth all things; neither shall any man presume to withstand it.

27 And after he was finished speaking, he sent out messengers unto the four corners of the earth, instructing them that they should tell these things unto all peoples.

28 ¶ Now Wudro, the son of Wyl, after that he had made him war, he cried not out from the housetops concerning the things he would do, but he gat him about for to do them.

29 And he opened wide the strings of his purse, so that the shekels, they gushed forth as the waters of a brook after rain. Neither was he backward in the matter of food, making due provision in all things.

30 And he sent much munition of war unto them that were with him, and he commanded his physicians that they should go out for to succour the wounded.

31 And he did send his vessels of war also, which were useful things and ready for the fray. And of men that did fly in the air, he did send of these a goodly band, and valiant.

32 And he built him a mighty army, all picked men of the best in the land; and he sent them unto the land of Eur for to fight against the men of Hu.

33 And he rested him not, neither by day nor by night did he rest him, but he was for ever at it, doing all those things that were requisite and necessary unto the undertaking.

34 And when word was brought unto Willi that Wudro, he had taken the coat from off his back, and that he laboured without respite, then grew he sore afraid.

35 And he called his counsellors unto him, and he spake unto them in these words, saying, Is there no one now amongst all the men of peace that will raise his voice against this bloody war?

36 ¶ And, lo! straightway, there was a voice, and it spake concerning peace. And it was blown along by the wind, even unto the land of Amer was it blown.

37 And when it was come unto the ears of Wudro, that was the son of Wyl, he made answer unto it, and he did say, Verily, it hath a goodly sound.

38 Nevertheless, this peace, it shall not come to pass; for the King of Hu, he hath a lying tongue, and his plighted word, hath he not broken it before?

39 And because he is what he is, therefore shall the compact of peace be made only with that man which he is not.

40 And the words of Wudro, they were blown along by the wind, even back from the land of Amer were they blown on the wings of the wind.

CHAPTER V.

1 Concerning the land of Russ. 4 The dividing up of it. 6 Confusion ariseth. 10 All men are equal. 11 Concerning Tino, the King of the Greeks. 16 Jon smiteth him. 10 He getteth him thence. 22 Willi speaketh unto the nations. 24 His lamentation in secret.

Now it came to pass in the land of Russ that all the people cried out against the king because of his tyranny.

2 And they did come upon him suddenly, and they did take him. And they cast him into prison, so that he no longer ruled over them.

3 And they straightway set about it for to make all men equal throughout the land. Yea, rich and poor, the wise man and the fool, the workers and the sluggards, the good men and the evil. All these did they strive to make equal together.

4 ¶ And they did divide the land into pieces, being a piece unto each one of them. And the money that was in the treasury, that also did they share amongst them.

5 Nevertheless, there were some, being the nimble ones, that did profit by it exceedingly. And every man's hand, it was turned against his neighbour, for they feared very dreadfully lest he had too much.

6 ¶ And a legion of devils broke loose amongst the people, and they did contend together concerning the equal division of power, so that it was a time of confusion, no man knowing what he would get of it.

7 Verily, it was like unto a cauldron of boiling broth wherein the meat cometh up according to the seething of it; and whosoever did clutch at a piece, he adventured to find it too hot.

8 And some did make peace, and some did make war; and some did borrow money, but none did repay it unto the lenders.

9 And every man in the land, he was equal unto his fellows; and more so was it so with them that did rightly choose the leader to be over them.

10 ¶ Yea, the wise of an high estate, they were brought down very low; and the foolish of low degree, they were lifted up higher than these.

11 ¶ Now there was one amongst the kings of Eur, and his name, it was Tino, the king of the Greeks. And Sophia, that was sister unto Willi, the king of Hu, she had taken him to husband. Yea, verily, she had taken him.

12 And Tino was a crafty man and artful. And whensoever he did speak, behold, there was oil upon his words, so that afterwards he could slide them both this way and also that way, as did him most advantage.

13 Verily, he was as full of lies as the hide of a dog is full of fleas; and he was for ever scheming for to hurt the people of En.

14 And after he had continued in his evil ways for a long time, then did all the peoples that were joined together against the men of Hu cry out in a loud voice, saying with one accord, Is there no one amongst all our brethren that will rid us of this turbulent beast?

15 And there was one, amongst them, a certain man, and his name, it was Jon. And he straightway set sail in a boat, and on the third day he came to Athens.

16 ¶ And after he was arrived there, he did make his way into the presence of Tino, that was the king, and he did smite him one.

17 Yea, he lifted up his foot against him, and did catch him with a lusty stroke.

18 And he commanded his servants that they should bring him a caravan for to carry Tino thence. And Sophia did he put into it also, and Tino's oxen, and his ass, and everything that was his.

19 ¶ And after it was ready, then did Tino get him thence. And he departed into a far country, even unto that place where his caravan now resteth.

20 And he did leave his second born for to rule in his stead, thinking in his heart, This one, he shall keep warm the seat for me.

21 Now when word was brought unto Willi concerning Tino, that was his brother, and concerning all the things that had happened unto him, then waxed he very wroth.

22 ¶ And he spake unto all the nations of the earth, crying out in a loud voice, and saying, Who shall lay hands on the king? And who lay hands on the Lord's anointed?

23 Verily, the time draweth nigh when I will vanquish mine enemies utterly, and Tino, he shall go up again unto that place from whence he hath come down.

24 ¶ And after he had spoken these words unto all the nations of the earth, then did he repair unto the secret chamber of his palace. And he called unto him certain of his servants; and Mud, that was his son, him also did he call unto him.

25 And he put on sackcloth and ashes and did raise his voice in lamentation over Tino, and over Sophia, that was his wife, saying, How are the mighty fallen, and those of an high estate cast down from their high places!

26 I am disturbed because of thee, my Tino, for thou wert more unto me than a brother. Very pleasant hast thou been unto me, and wonderful thy ways towards me.

27 Thine heart, it was deeper than water, and thy tongue as subtil as the smile of a woman that knoweth.

28 The ball of thine eye was a full moon that ripeneth corn, and thy teeth stood out like sentinels of ivory without the gate of Paradise.

29 Thou hast fallen very low, my Tino; very low hast thou fallen indeed, for thou liest with thy face in the dust, neither is there any help in thee.

30 How are the mighty fallen, and those of an high estate cast down from their high places!

CHAPTER VI.

1 The rulers send unto Artemas. 4 He seeketh the Lord High Physician. 22 And findeth him. 23 One carrieth a multitude of papers. 27 A man of fat hoppeth wonderfully. 31 The scribe performeth also. 37 Wherefore he is sent away.

Now it came to pass that the rulers sent word unto me, saying, Stand forth, and show thyself unto a physician, for we have need of thee to smite the men of Hu.

2 And I rose up from my bed and anointed myself with sweet oil and did shave the hair from off my face with a razor.

3 And I did don my richest apparel and did put in the pocket of it a brush for the teeth, fearing lest they should straightway send me into battle, and mine habitation, I should see it no more.

5 Now when I was come there, I saw a man; and he was one of the fighters of En, being also a scribe.

6 And I drew nigh unto him, and I did salute him saying, Peace be unto thee, brother, and peace be upon thy father's house. Nevertheless, he heeded me not, but did continue in the task that he was doing.

7 And after he had writ all that which he was minded to write, and more also, then lifted he his eyes towards me. And he spake unto me in a voice of thunder, saying, Wots-yer nime?

8 And because the language that he spake, it was strange unto mine ear, and because the look upon his face, it was terrible, therefore did I seek for to pacify him.

9 And I said unto him, Whatsoever thou hast said, verily, it is so; and who be I to gainsay thee? But what be the meaning of it, that indeed I know not.

10 Now there was one that came after me, a young man, benign of countenance; and he did understand the meaning of it, and he interpreted it unto me,

11 So I made answer, and I said unto him that asked, Behold I am a citizen of Lon, a poor scribe, and my name, it is Artemas.

12 Wherefore he did write down Artemus. And after he had written it so, he spake unto me again, saying, Get thee to the physician, that we may know what manner of man thou art. And I gat me thence.

13 And I came unto a certain place, where four winds did meet. And I did take up my stand in that corner of it that was most draughty; and I did wait.

14 And after I was become hardened by the length of my vigil, then did the Lord High Physician send out an herald.

15 And he stood upon the step of the house wherein the physician was hid, and he called out in a loud voice, saying, Artemus.

16 And the eyes of them that were round about, they did look on me with envy; and there was hate in their hearts also because I was summoned for to go up before them.

17 And when I was come within the house, behold, there was a man, and he commanded me that I should take off my raiment, that was also my richest apparel. Yea, whatsoever I did have on, that did he command me to take off.

18 And the mandate troubled me greatly, for I was a young man and loth to reveal my loveliness before all the world.

19 And because I was backward in setting about it, therefore did he hearten me with words; yea, he did bid me that I should get me a move on.

21 And when I was become naked enough, then did he measure the height of my stature, and what it was. And I was weighed in the balance, also, and found wanting. And afterwards he did take me unto the Lord High Physician.

22 ¶ And there were others in that room, being in like straits to myself. And each of us did eye his fellows with a great contempt, for, verily, we were a sorry lot, and strangely made.

23 ¶ Now he that went up before me, he did carry in his hand a multitude of papers. And he spake unto the Lord High Physician, and he said unto him, Behold, I am sick unto death.

24 And after the Lord High Physician had taken stock of him, and after he had read that which was writ upon the papers, then spake he unto the young man, and he said,

25 It seemeth unto me that thou art a vigorous youth and hefty. But if, peradventure, thou art sick unto death, what matter the means to thy end? And he did send him forth.

26 And the young man was amazed, for he had paid one hundred talents of gold for that which was writ upon the papers, being assured that he might work the matter by force of their numbers.

27 ¶ And after him there stood forth another. And he was a man given over to fatness, so that even in his resting moments he was continually out of breath.

28 And the Lord High Physician spake unto him in these words, saying, Stand thou upon thy right leg, and hop; and he did hop.

29 And the Lord High Physician spake unto him again, saying, Stand thou now upon thy left leg, and hop; and he did hop upon his left leg also.

30 And, behold, his stomach, it did shake before him, for it was of a size, and loose withal. Wherefore, the hopping of him, it was a matter of delight.

31 ¶ And after it was finished, then did the Lord High Physician command me to stand forth; and I did stand forth.

32 And when he had seen me, what I was, he said unto the scribe that attended him, Verily, this man's nakedness becometh him ill, and his body, it lacketh meat. So let it be recorded of him.

33 And he spake unto me again, saying, Read now the symbols that thou seest before thee. And because they were beyond the sight of mine eye, therefore spake he unto the scribe again, saying unto him, Verily, the fool hath not even eyes to see. So let it be recorded of him.

34 And he did smite me upon the chest, and he ordered me to say unto him, Ninety-nine.

35 And he did smite me upon the stomach, being in a tender place, and on the top of the back did he smite me also.

36 And he commanded me that I should perform the hop; and I did perform it. And I did do other things also, and did disport myself about the floor. And the eyes of the man of fat, they were filled with satisfaction.

37 ¶ And after the Lord High Physician, he had marked me for what I was, he called a servant unto him, and he commanded him, saying, Take thou this man out of my sight. And I departed out of his sight for ever.

38 And I returned unto mine habitation, taking also the brush for the teeth that I had brought away.

39 Neither did the rulers send unto me again, for what I was, it was writ upon the records, and what I was, behold, it was enough.

CHAPTER VII.

1 Concerning the peace-mongers. 8 Willi speaketh concerning peace. 10 And expoundeth the meaning of the word. 15 Artemas beholdeth a vision. 21 Wherein David slayeth his thousands. 26 And meeteth with Willi and Mud.

Now there were certain men in the land of En, and their talk was for ever concerning peace.

2 And the manner of its attainment, this considered they not at all; neither did they concern themselves with the price to be paid for the blessings of it.

3 And though they were few in number, nevertheless, they were loud of voice; and a man that shouteth out, he is heard above a thousand that be silent.

4 And there was no reason in them, nor any words in their mouths save only, Peace, peace, peace.

5 And if one said unto them, Will ye crave peace of a tyrant? Then would they make answer, and they would say, Give us only peace.

6 And whosoever questioned them, saying, How long this peace, and in what manner shall it be assured? And would ye that our sons be dead in a lost cause? To him would they make answer, and they would say, Give us only peace.

7 And because there was no other word ready unto their tongues, therefore some called them Boloscheviks, and some did call them mad; but many did call them merely traitors.

8 ¶ Now, when Willi, that was the king of Hu, did speak concerning peace, a certain man that was of Amer, he approached unto him, and he questioned him, saying, Explain me now this peace, and expound its meaning unto me.

9 And tell me also, I beseech thee, what things be requisite of thine enemies that peace may come unto all peoples?

10 ¶ And Willi did expound the meaning of the word, even as the man of Amer did beseech him. And he spake unto him in these words, saying,

11 This and that also shall our enemies perform. And they shall return unto us all those lands which they have taken away; and we will behave in like manner unto them, keeping only whatsoever seemeth good unto us.

12 And there shall be a making right of the boundaries that do separate us from our neighbours; peradventure, they shall lose a little in the doing of it.

13 And the might of the Most High Lord of War, it shall be acclaimed of all the world; and afterwards there shall be peace.

14 And the man of Amer, he spake unto Willi, and he said unto him, Verily, the peace, concerning which thou hast spoken unto me, it is indeed the peace that passeth understanding.

15 ¶ Now it fell out on a time, that I, being Artemas, the scribe, did fall into a deep sleep. And whilst I slumbered, lo! a vision came unto me in a dream, and I beheld things.

16 And I saw a river that was wide; and the beginning and the end of it, they did reach beyond man's sight.

17 And on one side of the river, it was War; and on the other side of the river, it was Peace.

18 And, even as I looked, there came one David, a man of Cam, and chief amongst the rulers in the land of En.

19 And in his right hand he did carry a flaming sword; and in his left hand he did carry a picture of the man Winston. And he took up his stand at the crossing over of the river.

20 And it came to pass that the hosts of Hu drew nigh, fleeing before the swords of their adversaries. And they came unto the crossing over of the river.

21 ¶ And David said unto him that was first, Whither goest thou? And he replied unto him, saying, I go unto the Land of Peace. Suffer me, I beseech thee, that I may pass over.

22 And David cast an eye upon him. And he said unto him, Say now, therefore, Best oration. And, behold, he could not frame to pronounce it right, for the word, it was a stranger in his mouth.

23 But he spake as one afflicted of his speech, and did stutter most abominably.

24 And David took him; and he lifted high the flaming sword and slew him at the crossing over of the river.

25 And so it was with all that came up thither, because they could not frame to pronounce it right; wherefore many perished on that day.

26 ¶ And when David had made an end of all of them, a noise of trembling arose. And I did see Willi, that was the king of Hu.

27 And Mud, that was his son, behold, he was with him; and they were hid amongst the rushes of the river.

28 And when David saw them, he beckoned with his finger, saying unto them, Come hither, ye laggards, and ye that are hanging behind. Come, for this is the passage to Peace. Nevertheless they came not unto him.

29 And when he perceived that they came not unto him, then did he take off his garments from about him, and he descended unto them in all his awfulness.

30 And in his right hand he did carry the flaming sword; and in his left hand he did carry a picture of the man Winston.

31 And when he was come amongst them, he did raise up the flaming sword on high, and he said unto them, Say now, therefore, Restoration.

32 And on the instant I did wake, and my dream, it was flown away. Neither was it vouchsafed unto me again for to see the end of the vision.

CHAPTER VIII.

1 Sundry happenings in En. 5 The women are full of foreboding. 10 Concerning the Flag Days. 14 The men cry aloud. 18 And are succoured. 20 Concerning lotteries. 29 Much money is brought by the people. 30 Wherefore the rulers awaken.

Now these things happened in the land of En, and these are the things that did come to pass.

2 And howsoever a matter fell out, then did men say, Verily, it is so because of the war.

3 Yet, it was a reason for all the things that were left undone; and the things that were done, these also it did fully justify.

4 Wherefore many waxed uneasy, fearing how it would be for them when the war, it should be over.

5 ¶ Now the women of the land, they were full of foreboding, knowing not when their garments, they might be taken from them.

6 And they did make pretence, the one unto the other, concerning their purple and concerning their fine linen also.

7 And they would speak in this wise, saying, Dost thou perceive the poverty of mine apparel, and how frugal I am become in the matter of it?

8 Therefore do I wear these poor rags that thou seest, having none others, save only some. And they would shed a few tears for the hardness of their lot.

9 Nevertheless, the vendors of apparel did flourish in that day; neither did the women of the land go naked before the world.

10 ¶ Now the days that men called Flag Days, they did grow in number beyond all computation.

11 And the sellers of flags, they did infest every place, so that to escape from them, it was beyond the power of man.

12 And whensoever a man did venture forth from his habitation on a day that was a flag day, assuredly, that man, he was lost.

13 And the damsels and the old women also, they would follow after him, and they would ensnare him by the way.

14 ¶ Wherefore all the men lifted up their voices unto heaven, and they cried aloud in their distress. And the rulers heard them.

15 And they sent unto the sellers of flags, even unto the damsels and unto the old women did they send, and they said unto them,

16 Forasmuch as ye have harried the men of the land beyond all reason, and the fighters that were come home, ye have driven them back into battle;

17 And because ye have followed after them, having no pity in your hearts, therefore shall ye pursue them no more.

18 ¶ But whatsoever place shall be appointed unto you, there shall ye continue. Verily, ye shall be even as pillars of salt, and shall stand still. Neither shall ye remove yourselves out of that very place.

19 And after the rulers had spoken, it came to pass that a little rest was vouchsafed unto the men; but the damsels, and the old women also, they were sad and sore at heart.

20 ¶ Now because there was need of money for to buy the munitions of war, and because it was necessary for other things also, therefore did the rulers set them about for to get it.

21 And there were certain men and they said, Let us now make us a lottery, and let there be a prize to it also.

22 Peradventure the people will bring them a mighty weight of money for the hazard, and the treasury, it will become full up and flowing over.

23 And though every man did agree that it was so, nevertheless, the rulers, they dared not to do it.

24 For they feared the Pharisees that did speak in their tabernacles against it. And the Pharisees at that time, they were a power in the land of En.

25 Nevertheless, it did come to pass in otherwise. For there were two bazaars in the city of Lon; and the one was of Har, and the other, it was of Sel.

26 And they set them up counters that the people might bring them money for to lend it unto the rulers; also, they made them a lottery of it.

27 And when the matter of their design, it was noised abroad, and that they did scheme to make them a lottery of it.

28 Then all the people hied them thither with one accord, and they did lend them money unto the rulers with a very ready hand.

29 ¶ And after it was all counted up, behold, the sum of it was very great, passing all belief.

30 ¶ But when the rulers heard about it, they sent word unto the bazaars, commanding them that they should do this thing no more.

31 Nevertheless, they forbad not the hazard in a race, which profiteth only a few.

32 Yet were they loth to suffer a lottery, that was made to advantage the course of the war.

CHAPTER IX.

1 Concerning food. 4 The people do wait in a line. 11 And seek the truth. 13 An old man lacketh butter. 17 He getteth all else. 18 Concerning the cards. 24 Certain of the people do hoard. 26 They pay the penalty. 27 The prudent man and the woman that had no sugar.

Now there came a time when there was no more food in En save only enough for to feed the people.

2 And the gluttons of the land cried out in their vexation, because they glutted them no more.

3 And it became a custom amongst the people that they should hie them unto the bazaar for to wait without the portal of it.

4 ¶ And they would gather themselves together in a line hoping that, perchance, a little meat would be vouchsafed unto them.

5 And they did complain loudly amongst themselves and did make their faces of a length; and they cursed the rulers shamefully.

6 Yea, there were many that forgot it was a time of war, for their minds were not on it, being gone down into their stomachs.

7 Now it fell out on a night that I pursued my way along an highway in the city of Lon.

8 And, behold, there was a multitude of people, being in a line, and it reached unto a long way off.

9 And I perceived that they were a merry lot and full of mirth. Yea, they were like unto none of them that I had seen before.

10 And I drew nigh unto them, for I was amazed. And I sought to inquire what manner of victuals it was that did put them in the humour.

11 ¶ And when I was come near enough, then did I see the name of it and what it was, and behold, that which they waited for, it was Nothing but the Truth.

12 And so it was in the land, that to buy of laughter, they grudged them not the waiting; but to get them a morsel of food, that was a matter in other wise.

13 ¶ Now there was a certain man, and he was an old man and full of cunning; and his stomach, it did trouble him for a little butter.

14 Wherefore he writ him a list, and he did put down all the things that he needed not; and in the midmost part of it, he put down also a little butter.

15 And after it was writ, he sent it unto the bazaar, hoping by this means to get him that for which his soul did crave; and he prayed without ceasing all that night.

16 And when it was morning, there came one from the bazaar unto his habitation; and he did bring with him all those things that the old man, which was full of cunning, he had put down.

17 ¶ Yea, all of them did he bring save only a little butter for to fortify the old man's faith in prayer.

18 ¶ Now these were the days of cards, and the number of them, it increased continually.

19 And there were food cards, and fuel cards, and cards of registration, and sugar cards, and cards of insurance, and cards of exemption also.

20 And whosoever did lose his cards, verily, the state of that man, it was terrible.

21 For he could get him no sustenance for to live. And a man that is not insured, to die were the last of his follies.

22 Moreover, because the card of his exemption, it was lost, therefore, in either case, he was become of the fighters of En.

23 Yea, even though he were possessed of the joker, nevertheless, it availed him nothing; for it was a new game, and the joker was not in the pack.

24 ¶ And certain of the people did gather them victuals secretly and in great abundance, and they did put them on one side and they did hoard.

25 Neither did they consider the needs of the poor, being satisfied with their own bellies, that they should be full up.

26 ¶ And they did pay for their selfishness in the penalty; yea, for the mighty atom that they did hide away, they paid for it in the penalty.

27 ¶ Now there was a certain man of the land of En, and he was the father of many children; wherefore he was become prudent, and he was for ever looking in front of him.

28 And it came to pass that he did go unto an inn. And he commanded the servant that was there, saying unto him, Bring me a measure of tea, that I may drink.

29 And the servant did bring him the measure of tea, and he did set it down before him. And he that would drink, he did take from his pocket a little white sugar.

30 And after he had used of it, he did put upon the table that sugar which was remaining over.

31 Now there was a certain woman sitting nigh unto him. And her husband, that was a great man, he did sit beside her. And she was garbed in new purple.

32 And there was a great weight of precious jewels upon her, yea, even unto the fastenings of her sandals was she bright with precious gems.

33 And she did look at the sugar greedily, for she coveted it. And because she was too proud to steal, therefore did she approach unto the man.

34 And she threw herself down at his feet and she buried her face in the dust, crying out, My lord, my lord, see how thine handmaiden prostrateth herself before thee.

35 And he said unto her, Woman, arise. And she rose up. And he spake unto her again, saying, Tell me, I beseech thee, the reason of thy supplication; for he was full of prudence, and, because she was a woman, therefore did he trust her not.

36 And after she had kissed his hand, she said unto him, Behold, my lord, thine handmaiden hath got her a measure of tea, and it lacketh sweetness.

37 Therefore, I pray thee that thou givest unto me a morsel of sugar, for thy servant, she thirsteth mightily.

38 And when he saw how it was with her, he gave her a morsel of sugar, being the sugar that he had brought with him.

39 And after she had blessed his name, and the name of his father, and all his seed also, she returned unto her husband being well content.

CHAPTER X.

1 The fighters from afar off. 4 Concerning the men of Cann. 10 Concerning the men of Anz. 20 Concerning the men of Saf. 24 The greeting of the damsels. 27 One is chosen. 31 She uses artifice. 34 The means of escape.

Now there was in the host of En a great number of men that did come from afar off; neither considered they distance as anything against the righteousness of a just cause.

2 And there were men of Anz, and men of Cann, and men of Ind, and men of Saf, and men that did come from other lands also. And all of them were hardy men and full of valour, so that no man could say concerning them, Behold, these people, they are more valiant than the others.

3 And when they went out for to fight, there were never men more terrible than these. Yea, in the heat of the battle, there was not one of the men of Hu that could stand up against them.

4 ¶ Now, the men of Cann were very bold, being strenuous of purpose and knowing not fear. Also, they were full of a great vim.

5 And it came to pass that they were sent against one of the strongholds of the men of Hu. And it was a place that was girded round with cunning devices, and the fortifications of it, they were stronger than iron.

6 And when they had pitched their camp before it, behold, all the garrison did band themselves together, and they did arm themselves with mighty weapons, being resolved that the men of Cann, they should not take that place.

I Nevertheless, their resistance, it availed them nothing; neither was there any power either of earth or of hell for to stay the men of Cann in the violence of their onslaught.

8 For they were a valiant lot, scornful of danger and unafraid to die. Also, they were full of a great vim.

9 Wherefore, they called the name of that place Vimy Ridge, meaning, because it was taken with a great vim. And so it is known even unto this day.

10 ¶ Now the men of Anz did come from a land at the other side of the earth, being six weeks journey in a ship.

11 And certain of them were sent unto Egypt for to make them ready to fight; and they sojourned there many days.

12 And the fire of their ardour burned very bright in that land; yea, the flame of it did blaze forth even as a living thing.

13 Now there was a certain rock that was set in the sea, being an high rock and formidable. And it was in the hands of the enemy.

14 And because of the bravery of the men of Anz, therefore were they charged with the taking of it.

15 And they went out against it in boats; yea, in little boats did they row them up for to take it.

16 And every contrivance of man and all the inventions of the devil, they were turned against them for to drive them back.

17 Nevertheless, they gat them on; even unto the high rock did they get them on.

18 And when they were come up to it, they descended out of their boats, and they did take it by the strength of a mighty attack. Yea, they did climb unto the top of the high rock, and they did take it.

20 ¶ Now the men of Saf were divided into two parts. And some of them did come unto En for to be with the host; and some of them did fight against the men of Hu in Geaf, being that land which was next unto Saf.

21 And they prospered exceedingly in their enterprises, so that they were famed for renown amongst all the peoples of the earth.

22 And they did capture the land of Geaf by the edge of the sword; even from the men of Hu did they capture it.

23 Nevertheless, it was an harassing task and full of peril; wherefore the glory of their triumph, it did shed a light upon their name that shall last for ever more.

24 ¶ Now whensoever it happened that a fighter, being of a land afar off, did come unto the city of Lon, then would the damsels make them ready for to greet him.

25 And they would put on their chief raiment, and they would go down unto the gates of the city for to meet him; and they would show their teeth at him, and would allure him with sundry blandishments.

26 And they would get him amongst them, and would take him on one side. And they would speak unto him, with subtil words. And each of them would strive to entice him unto her way.

27 ¶ And after he had sorted them out, the one from the other, the wheat from the chaff, and the corn from the tares, then would he go forth with her.

28 And she would be a guide unto him, and a friend also. And she would show him things and would whisper in his ear.

29 And she would speak unto him concerning his own land, being a country whither she was for a long time back inclined.

30 And she would look at him in a certain way; yea, notwithstanding that he needed not a spur, nevertheless, she would urge him with her eyes. And because he had chosen her above all the others, therefore would he caress her.

31 ¶ And after that he had caressed her to her liking, so that her soul cried out for more, then would she seek for to gather him in.

32 And she would speak unto him concerning her points and concerning the things that she could do. Yea, she would fill her mouth with lies, seeking to make herself perfect.

33 And she would look upon him with large eyes; and she would say unto him, Verily, thou art a man; and thy strength, it terrifieth me. And if he strove for to comfort her because she feared his strength, then was he lost indeed.

34 ¶ Yea, unless he had taken unto himself a wife before, there was no help in him. For the wiles of the damsels, they worked in devious ways; but the end of the ways, assuredly, it was for ever the same.

CHAPTER XI.

1 Concerning one that abhorred strange tongues. 3 He meeteth with a damsel. 14 And falleth unto her. 15 Concerning the writing on the board. 24 A certain man disturbeth his companions. 29 He is delivered from tribulation. 33 Whereby another suffereth in his stead.

Concerning sundry happenings that befell the fighters of En when they went out with the host.

2 Now there was a certain man that went unto the war. And when he was arrived nigh unto the camp, he was commanded to seek a certain habitation and to sojourn there.

3 ¶ And on the morrow after he was come into that house, he beheld a damsel. And, lo, she was fair as the blossom of the pomegranate and graceful as a roe that skippeth upon the mountains.

4 And her neck, it was like unto a tower that is of ivory, and there was red upon her lips; also, she had doves' eyes and full of softness.

5 Now in his youth he had given him over unto idleness, heeding not instruction and scorning all strange speech. But the time of his repentance, it was at hand, because he had no words for to tell her all that which was in his heart.

6 Nevertheless, after he had gazed long enough upon the beauty of her, he was moved to make him trial with his tongue. And he spake unto her despairingly in these words, saying Hast thou the coat of my father?

7 And because he could not frame to pronounce it right, therefore did she understand him not. Nevertheless, she did smile upon him for himself, and because of the way of him also.

8 And when the next day was come, he espied the maiden from his window; and she was walking in the courtyard of their habitation. And he descended unto her, seeking advancement in her eyes.

9 And when he had greeted her with his hand, and had put his countenance in the shape of his adoration, then spake he more words after the manner of before. And he said unto her, Hast thou a morsel of bread? Nay, my friend, but I have a little cheese.

10 Nevertheless, she understood no word of all that which he did say. But because he spake from out of his depths, therefore did she perceive the nature of his ailment.

11 Now after the passing of the fourteenth day, he did come upon the damsel unattended and alone, in a place apart that was well screened. And, behold, his speech was all used up; neither had she understood the meaning of any of it.

12 And there remained unto him no words, save only two. And because she had understood him not before, therefore spake he them unto him, and he said, Jer tame.

13 And, lo, she held up her mouth on the instant, and with her arms she did seize him forthwith; yea, she was filled with a great understanding.

14 ¶ And because he had put the matter at hazard, therefore did he fall unto her on that day.

15 ¶ Now there was a certain stripling of the men of En, and he was journeying along a ditch, being nigh unto that place where the host of Hu, it was encamped.

16 And it was a shallow ditch, having no depth, and his path, it was beset with dangers. Wherefore he tarried not by the way.

17 And as he hasted him along, behold, there was a board, and it stood up against him; and there was writing on the board. And he stayed the order of his going for to read it.

18 Now the missiles of the enemy, they were sent against that spot like the grains of a desert of sand being lifted by the wind.

19 Nevertheless, he was full of determination for to get him unto the board. Wherefore he did lay him flat upon the ground; yea, even as a worm doth travel, in like manner approached he unto the board.

20. And when he was come thither (and by reason of his perseverance, he did come thither), lo, the writing, it was made plain unto him; and he did see it, what it was.

21 And the words of it, being interpreted, did say, Get thee hence, O fool, whilst yet thou remainest whole. For whosoever tarrieth here, verily, he shall be cut off in the height of his folly.

22 And after he had seen the writing, what it was, he did get him thence; even as he came, that was in the manner of a worm, he did go away from that same place.

23 And the curses that fell from that man's mouth, they did shake the two encampments.

24 ¶ Now there was a certain man, being a fighter of the land of En, and in the innocence of his youth, he had taken unto himself a wife.

25 And she was a woman loose of the jaw, so that there was no peace on earth for him. Yea, neither in the day nor in the night was any peace vouchsafed unto him.

26 And when he was come amongst the host, he complained unto his companions continually concerning the soreness of his lot; and the voice of his groaning was ofttimes heard in the starry watches of the night.

27 And after they had borne with him for a long time without any respite, they were filled with a great hatred against that woman, that she should trouble them so. Yea, they abominated her utterly.

28 And they conspired together for to deliver him, perceiving that there was no other means unto their own salvation.

29 ¶ Wherefore it came to pass after the next occasion when they did go against the enemy, that they sent them word unto the officer that was appointed, and they said unto him,

30 In the heat of the encounter, in the forefront of the battle, he was smitten unto death. Also, we did bury him underneath the earth for to make assurance certain.

31 And when they told him that he was dead, it rejoiced him greatly. And from that day forth he was as other men.

32 But when his wife did hear about it, she put on sackcloth and ashes, and, during seven days, she did weep in the public places of the city, crying out in a loud voice, and saying, My husband, Oh, my husband.

CHAPTER XII.

1 The women upbraid one another. 5 The virgins that made them munitions for the war. 12 Their anger. 14 They are appeased. 15 Concerning the choice of an habitation. 25 A chief factor donneth wondrous apparel. 33 Wherefor one believeth him to be the keeper of the gate.

Now in the seventh month of the year and the first week of the month upon the second day, all the women of the land rose up together and they made them an outcry, the one against the other.

2 And they upbraided them that were barren, because they bore not children; and those that had begotten a few, they exhorted them to continue along the way.

3 And the hearts of the women were stirred within them, and the cry of their sisters, it filled them with zeal for the undertaking.

4 Nevertheless, there were certain men in the land that scoffed aloud, saying, By the fruits of their labour only shall ye know them; and the words that flow from a woman's mouth, what man shall give them a meaning?

5 ¶ Now there was a certain place in the land of En and it was full up of workers that did make them munitions for the war.

6 And there were many women amongst them also; and some of them were married unto men; and the others, they were virgins.

7 Wherefore it came to pass that the ruler of that place, he made him a plan; and, behold, it was after this manner.

8 And he did design that whosoever amongst them should conceive and be with child, there should be provision made for that woman to sustain her during the time.

9 And whosoever amongst them should be spoken for in marriage, unto her there should be given so much for her portion.

10 Now the tongue of rumour was very busy in that place, being a place where women were, and many strange things were noised abroad amongst them.

11 And it was reported that all the virgins, they must straightway get themselves with child; also, that there was offered a reward unto her that was the first amongst them for to do it; and the reward, it was in fifty shekels of gold.

12 ¶ And when the virgins heard about it, they waxed very wroth. And they did tear their hair in the violence of their rage; and with their mouths they did utter terrible sayings.

13 And they did say, Are we, then, women of Hu that we should do this wicked thing? Nay, the price of a virtuous woman, it is far above fifty shekels of gold.

14 ¶ And after they had vented the violence of their indignation, then was the matter expounded unto them; and their anger, it was appeased.

15 ¶ Now it came to pass that the rulers did make them councillors for to be over the fighters of the air.

16 And after it was done, and they beheld their handiwork, they said, the one unto the other, Let us now get them an habitation lest the rain come down and they be spoilt.

17 So they sent out messengers through all the city of Lon bidding them spy out the land for to find an house that was suitable unto the purpose.

18 And on the seventh day the messengers returned unto them, bringing word that they had found them an house, and suitable. And, behold, they did purport to put the councillors inside a large building, being a museum.

19 And when the rulers spake unto the people, and told them about it, a great clamour arose on the instant. And all the wise men did take up their pens, and they did write. And the foolish, also, they did write them epistles as well.

20. And because in the eyes of the rulers it was a proper habitation, and suitable, therefore did they stand up against the voice of the people for a long time. And they said unto them,

21 Who are ye to make a noise and in what manner doth it concern you? Ye know full well that in that place are men of Egypt, ancient in years and full of wisdom. Nevertheless, they complain not, neither do they cry out.

22 But the people ceased not from their clamouring; and the wise men wrote them more epistles, and the foolish wrote in likewise. But the men of Egypt spake no word, being ancient in years and full of wisdom.

23 And it came to pass in time that the rulers, they relented their resolve. And they found them another house for the councillors, saying, Because it is necessary to get them an habitation, lest the rain come down and they be spoilt.

24 Nevertheless, the house that we did choose before, it was a proper house, and suitable, because it was big; also, it was a museum.

25 ¶ Now there was a certain merchant that dwelt in the city of Lon. And he had taken unto him a chief factor, a bumptious man that was full of a great conceit.

26 And when the rulers commanded the men of En that they should go up for to be with the host, then did the chief factor cast about in his mind for a means whereby he might remain whole.

27 And he arrayed himself in a wonderful coat, being of a blue colour; and his legs did he cover—even down to his knees did he cover them—with cloth of a similar hue. And he put on ornaments of braid, and trappings of divers kind.

28 And because his legs were thin, being like unto straws of a bad harvest, therefore was he unstable upon them. Yea, notwithstanding the glory of his apparel, nevertheless, he was wonky upon his feet.

29 Now it came to pass that he was sent unto a certain man with whom his master was wont to make business; and he came upon him suddenly in all his fine array.

30 And he spake unto him, saying, This and that, saith my master. And the man knew not that he was the chief factor, thinking only, This man, he showeth some understanding; peradventure he will get him on.

31 Wherefore when another occasion arose, he sent word unto the merchant, saying, Send thou unto me that man, thy servant, whom thou didst send unto me before, for he is a worthy fellow, knowing also a little of that concerning which he speaketh.

32 And the merchant said unto him, Tell me further, that I may know what man it is concerning whom thou speakest. Then will I search him out and I send him unto thee.

33 ¶ And he answered him, saying, Verily, it is that man whom thou hast arrayed in wonderful raiment. By his legs thou shalt know him; and is he not the keeper of thy door?

34 And the merchant was filled with the light of a great understanding, and he knew the man, whom it was; nevertheless, he spake no word concerning it, thinking,

35 Assuredly, it is better to have a doorkeeper that possesses wit, than a factor that hath wonky legs. Therefore did he open not his mouth.

CHAPTER XIII.

1 Darkness continueth in the city. 2 The damsels rejoice. 4 The young men rejoice. 6 The maidens of an age rejoice. 9 A certain man loseth his spouse. 21 He findeth consolation. 24 The ways of the young things.

Now the rulers ordained that the city of Lon, it should continue in darkness; and the hearts of many of the people, they were rejoiced because of it.

2 ¶ And the damsels rejoiced openly, saying, Verily, it is a time that aboundeth in possibilities,

3 Peradventure it will embolden him somewhat in the wooing of me, for love in a dark place, assuredly, it needeth no footwarmer.

4 ¶ And the young men rejoiced also, saying, In the dark of the night, in the very great darkness of the city, there shall I tell her the tale.

5 And after that she is softened towards me, then will I gather her in. And I will quench my thirst at the fountain of her lips, and the rapture of her touch, it shall feed mine appetite for love.

6 ¶ And the maidens of an age, they rejoiced as well. For she that was thirty and five years old when it was day, she was judged by the shortness of her garments after that it was become the night.

7 And many damsels came unto the city of Lon from the country that was round about it, seeking to avail themselves of the darkness that was there.

8 And they complained in their villages and in their towns also, saying, Why is the city of Lon favoured above other cities?

9 ¶ Now there was a certain man, and he was wedded unto a wife. And it came to pass on an occasion that he did go with her along an highway in Lon at a time when it was dark. And she was garbed in raiment that was black, so that he did take hold upon her arm, fearing lest he should lose her.

10 And whither they were going, that did he know not, save only that they sought the habitation of a friend, there to partake of nourishment and, perchance, a little wine.

11 And as they walked, behold, she raised her voice against him. And she did utter bitter sayings; and she told him how he had troubled her for a long time past.

12 And she told him divers things also concerning himself and concerning the things that he had done, and concerning the things that he had left undone. And afterwards she did steep herself in silence.

13 And as they proceeded upon their way, no word passing between them, they came unto a place where a multitude of people was gathered together.

14 And there was one of the multitude that did come between them. Yea, for a moment the man, he was parted from his wife, and the grip of his hand, it was loosened from her arm.

15 And when he was free of the multitude, he was filled with doubt concerning her, and concerning which of them she was.

16 Wherefore he seized an arm at a venture, being the arm of a woman in raiment of black. And because she spake no word, therefore did he know that it was verily his wife.

17 And he continued on the way with her towards the habitation of her friend; and they came unto an house. And his spirit grew light within him because the victual and the wine also, they were become very near.

18 And whilst they stood without the portal of that house, she that was his wife, she did open the door of it with a key. And he was filled with amazement, nor understood how it was.

19 And she beckoned unto him with her finger, that he should enter into that house. And he went in with her.

20 And after they were come inside, she did make her a light, and he did see. And, behold, the woman, she was not his wife.

21 ¶ Nevertheless, because she was garbed in raiment of black, and was withal a comely damsel, being not ill favoured, therefore did he forgive himself his error.

22 And when the time came that he was returned unto his habitation, he waxed very wroth with his wife. And he upbraided her soundly because she had lost him amongst the multitude.

23 And she did forget to question him concerning his doings on that night, neither did he vouchsafe her any answer concerning them.

24 ¶ Now whensoever it happened that it was night, then did all the damsels hie them forth into the highways of the city; and their thoughts were of love and their stomachs.

25 And they would make them in the likeness of a maiden forlorn so that the young man, his heart was moved by the sight of their desolation.

26 And he would approach unto them because of their state, and he would make offer of himself for to be a companion unto them and to cheer them on their way.

27 And he would say, Knowest thou whether the warning, it hath been given? And she would make answer unto him and she would say, Thine handmaiden, she is a stranger in the city,

28 Nevertheless, she hath received a warning concerning men, that they be wicked and full of naughtiness. Therefore, get thee hence, lest it come to the ears of my mother about thee.

29 And he would reason with her earnestly and he would entreat her that she should put her trust in him.

30 And when he had pleaded with her long enough, then would she say unto him, Verily, thou hast inclined me towards thee with the blandishments of thy tongue.

31 Now, therefore, let us away, for wheresoever thou goest, there also will I go. And thou shalt do unto me whatsoever seemeth good unto thee.

32 And she would take him with her; and wheresoever she did go, there would he also go. And whatsoever seemed good unto her, that did she do unto him.

CHAPTER XIV.

1 Artemas adviseth the damsels and warneth them. 9 Concerning the choice of an husband. 14 And the preparations for his enticement. 18 He cautioneth the hasty. 20 And counselleth flattery. 22 And artifice. 25 He returneth again unto the choice of an husband. 28 Concerning the terrible things.

List not to the words of that man who hath a leaning towards thee, for he knoweth not the things that he doth say.

2 Let not thine head be uplifted by his flattery, or thy spirit grow proud because of his praise.

3 Yea, if he compareth thine eyes to the stars, and thy teeth to a necklet of pearls, and thine ear to a very rare shell, then heed him not, for he lieth.

4 Remember the rooster; it clucketh so to the old brown hen. Nevertheless, the countenance of an hen, being that which it is, hath little of comeliness about it.

5 When a young man cometh unto thee, having buttons a thousand times burnished, think not that he doeth this thing for thy sake.

6 For it may hap that he but seeketh favour with his captain; or, perchance, it is his wife that sendeth him out thus.

7 When thy man cometh back from the wars, pry not too deeply into his carryings on during the time that he was away.

8 For he is a man that hath done very much for thee. Therefore it is meet that he should also have done a little for himself.

9 ¶ When thou choosest a young man for to husband thee, mark him with great circumspection, and regard him closely, how he behaveth against thy lures.

10 There is one that carrieth upon his arm a coat of burr berri. He walketh with thee through the meadows. And when thy footsteps falter, lo, he spreadeth it out upon the ground for to be a couch unto you.

12 Yea, verily, such an one as this, he shall turn him neither to the right hand nor to the left hand; but when the time that thou hast appointed, it be come, then shall he kiss thee full upon the lips.

13 And he shall place his two arms around thee also, and he shall say in a manner befitting thy lord all those things that thou hast willed him to say, so that thou shalt verily believe for the instant that thou hast not worked him.

14 ¶ Whensoever thou goest forth with intent, then shalt thou avail thyself of the whole might of thine armoury. Moreover, if there be anything lacking in thee, scruple not to visit the bazaar for to equip thyself more fully.

15 Yea, if thy chest offend thee, fill it out; and thy nose also, if it cometh unto a blue colour by the blast of the wind, a morsel of fine powder, it shall suffice to restore thy comeliness.

16 Lips of scarlet and the pink cheek; lashes to veil thine eyes in night, and twilight shadows for the underneath;

17 Hair that fulfilleth the young man's desire; and teeth white as ivory, set out in order. All these things and more also shalt thou buy with the money thy father doth get of his labour.

18 ¶ Bring up thy mother in the way she should go and restrain her continually. Else shall she hold thee up before the young man's eyes without ceasing, wherefore thou shalt surely lose him.

19 Consider the worm. It sitteth on its hook in a quiet place, nor followeth after the fish. Nay, rather doth it entice him because it sitteth aloof. Do thou, therefore, in like manner.

20 ¶ When a young man speaketh unto thee concerning a miracle that hath saved him his life, then open thine eyes into his, and call him wonderful.

21 For in this manner shalt thou remove the credit of it from the miracle and he will believe thy words. And he will perceive in thee a multitude of charms that erstwhile had been hid.

22 ¶ When a young man embraceth thee, say not unto him that he is the first for to do it; else will he think that thou speakest lies; or, if he believe thee, assuredly he will look for the reason of it.

23 Nay, catch up thy breath in thy throat, and gasp as a bird being strangled, saying unto him, Oh, Timothy (if such his name shall be), assuredly art thou the first that hath kissed my lips like that!

24 For then will he believe thee, and thy words will stir him mightily. For flattery of the subtil kind, it worketh a man; but woman, she liketh it very thick.

25 ¶ Choose not a man to husband thee according to his means alone, but according to his meanness shalt thou choose him also. For how shall it profit thee that his pocket be deep, if thine arm be too short for to fathom it.

26 Neither shalt thou choose him by the stars that he doth wear upon his arm; for thou makest choice of an husband and not of a liquid to drink.

27 The king of thine heart shalt thou call him, and also the lord of thy life. But when thou speakest concerning thy knight of love, then spell thou out the letters of it; verily, there be room for misconception hereabouts.

28 ¶ There are three things which are too terrible for me, yea, four which I know not:

29 The way of a lioness with her cub; the way of a dog with his bone; the way of a miser with his gold; and the way of a maid with her man.

30 And whosoever shall meddle with any of these, he will rue it the length of his days. Neither shall any man feel compassion towards him, for he is condemned of his own foolishness.

CHAPTER XV.

1 Concerning the children of Israel. 4 Certain of them go up unto the host. 9 Proper men are chosen. 16 Jericho is captured by a stratagem. 17 An husbandman entertaineth guests. 22 A certain young man taketh unto himself a wife. 35 His sufferings.

Now there was much perturbation of spirit amongst the children of Israel because the fliers of Hu, they did come unto the city of Lon.

2 And some of the tribes did hasten to get them underneath the earth; and some of them did make a great exodus from the city, and they did pass over unto the shores of the sea.

3 Wherefore the people were in doubt concerning what it was, and some said, Verily, it is the exodus that but repeateth itself. But others made answer unto them, saying, Nay, brother, rather is it the Passover that happeneth again.

4 ¶ Nevertheless, there were certain of the children of Israel that behaved in other manner. And they did go for to be amongst the host of En.

5 And men did know this part of them for the fighting Judæans, or King David's Own, or the Kosher Cavalry; yea, whichever of the names came first unto their lips, by that name did they call them.

6 Now the Levites, that were also Cohens, they complained in a very low voice because they were not allowed for to go up, saying, Alas, it is against the law of Moses for us to do this thing.

7 And the chief priest, he heard them. And he was moved to compassion by the hardness of their lot. Wherefore he made him an ordinance. And he ordained that they should go up. Yea, all the Levites, that were also Cohens, he gave them leave for to join the host of En. And some of them rejoiced.

8 Now whensoever a man stood forth for to fight amongst the children of Israel, being the fighting Judæans, or King David's Own, or the Kosher Cavalry, then did they send unto the chief physician for to make trial of his aptness.

9 ¶ And if the chief physician did say, I have seen this man in all his nakedness, and, behold, he is a proper man to be amongst us, then was it so. But if he spake in otherwise, then was it not so.

10 Wherefore it came to pass that they were all men made unto a certain end; and if there was anything lacking in them, verily, it was but a little thing and beneath notice.

11 Now there was one amongst them, and his mind it was filled with stratagems. And, after they had been gathered together for a length of time, he stood upon his feet, and he spake unto them in these words, saying,

12 Hail to you, my brothers, and, Hail to you, ye men of Israel! And they answered him, saying, Hail! And when he perceived that their ears, they were turned towards him, he continued with a loud voice, and he said unto them,

13 What of Jericho, and what about it? Verily, the city of David, it hath fallen unto Gentile hosts, but the walls of Jericho, behold, they are yet whole. Let us, therefore, contrive the matter.

14 And after that he had reminded them concerning Joshua that behaved in a cunning manner, he commanded them accordingly; and he told each man the thing that he should do.

15 Wherefore it came to pass when the signal was given unto them, that they did blow upon their noses with a loud blast. Yea, they did make a very great noise with their noses because they did do it all at one time.

16 ¶ And when they awoke on the morrow, lo, the walls of Jericho, they were fallen down. And all the children of Israel rejoiced in their tents because they had contrived it; nevertheless, they imparted unto no man the secret of the blowing.

17 ¶ Now there was a certain man in the land of En that was an husbandman and of substance. And he hired him captives of the men of Hu for to plow his fields and to sow his seeds and to do that which was requisite and necessary unto his land.

18 And amongst them there was one that had formerly been wont to shave the beards of his brethren with a razor, and to prepare the heads of them with scissors.

19 Now in the house of the husbandman there were many guest chambers, and they were for ever full. And whensoever it happened that his friends were come for to visit him over the end of a week, then would he send unto the man of Hu.

20 And he would set him at the hair of his friends, and he would bid him take the scissors; yea, whosoever did come for to visit him, the hair of that man's head, assuredly, it was cut short.

21 Neither was there any help in him, for the husbandman, he was resolved that the opportunity which was come, it should not be idly cast away.

22 ¶ Now there was a certain young man and he took unto himself a wife, a comely maid and graceful as a young gazelle.

23 And after that he had rewarded the priest for all that he had done for him, and after that he had taken leave of the guests that were bidden to the marriage feast, he departed unto another city; and the damsel that was his wife, she went with him.

24 For it was a custom in En that those who were newly wed should steal away secretly unto a place afar off, lest any man should spy upon them and make him a report about it.

25 And after they had pursued their way for many hours, they came unto an inn, being that hostelry where they did intend to sojourn through all the night.

26 Now the damsel was a wily sort, being sly and very artful; and she had made her preparations for to blind the eyes of the curious.

27 Wherefore she did carry her apparel in boxes that were old, fearing lest any man should laugh and wink his eye because of the newness of them. And there was writ upon the boxes certain symbols, being the first letters of her name of yesterday.

28 Now after they had subscribed their names unto certain writings that were laid before them, it was their single thought to close their eyes in sleep, for they were weary unto death because of the journey.

29 But the keeper of the inn, he was a man that was full of suspicion; and the damsel was comely to look upon. Therefore he called the young man unto him.

30 And he said unto him, Tarry yet a little while and haste thee not away, for I would feign commune with thee concerning a matter.

31 And he took the young man privately upon one side, and he questioned him concerning the matter. And he said unto him, Tell me, I pray thee, the name of the damsel?

32 Now the young man, he had never been married before; also, he was full of weariness, having an earnest desire to lay him down. And because the question, it came on a sudden, therefore did he make answer without serious meditation. And he said,

33 The damsel concerning whom thou speakest, verily, her name, it is Such an One. And he forgat that it was lately changed.

34 And the keeper of the inn waxed very wroth; yea, his rage flew all around him. And he spake unto the young man again, saying, Is thy face then of brass that thou speakest unto me thus?

35 ¶ And what thou hast said, that have I suspected long enough, for so it is writ upon the young thing's baggage. Take heed, therefore, and pay attention. Because it is late, therefore shalt thou sojourn in my house during the night.

36 And the damsel, she shall sojourn here also. Nevertheless there shall be a separation of two floors between you lest, peradventure, ye come together by a chance. And to-morrow thou shalt proceed upon thy way.

37 And it was even as the keeper of the inn had said. And when the morning was come, they arose from their couches ere the sky was red and they shook the dust of that place from off their feet.

38 And they hied them with speed to another place. And they said unto the keeper of the inn that was there, We have come from a very distant city, and we have journeyed the whole night through. And, now, behold, we are fatigued, and there is no strength left in us.

39 And because the young man, he forgat not the damsel's name again, therefore were they permitted for to seek their couch. And they slumbered heavily during all that day.

CHAPTER XVI.

1 The scribe goeth forth. 4 He receiveth warning. 6 Concerning a certain damsel. 15 The infernal regions. 18 A certain woman maketh inquiry. 21 A guardian of the peace admonisheth him. 26 The anger of the people.

Now it came to pass that I did go forth into the highways of the city for to be amongst the young things that do gambol together, the one with the other.

2 And when I was come out, lo, it was night. And the stars were in the sky, and the moon also, it was there. Verily, it was a night for love.

3 And as I went my way, behold, there was a certain man, being of the guardians of the people; and in his right hand he did carry a silver whistle.

4 ¶ And I perceived that there was a paper about the middle of him, even upon his stomach did I see it; and writ upon the paper were the words, TAKE COVER.

5 Wherefore I did hie me thence, and I did repair unto a certain eating-house, craving meat for to nourish my bones and a little wine for to moisten my sinews.

6 ¶ And when I was come into that place, behold, there was a damsel, a daughter of the land of En, and comely withal.

7 And there was pride in her manner of bearing, and her eyes did look forth as a morning in spring. Also, she was of the appearance of twenty years.

8 And even as I gazed upon the freshness of her, lo, the head of the eating-house, being a stranger in the land of En, he approached nigh unto her, and he did make obeisance.

9 And after he had wept a little, he entreated her leave for to speak. And she commanded him that he should speak.

10 And he spake unto her in these words, saying, Thy servant hath a dungeon pertaining unto him; it is a spacious dungeon, and roomy withal. Therefore, I beseech thee that we go down into the nether-most corner of it, which is a place of safety whither danger cometh not.

11 And after she had heard all that he did say, then waxed she wroth indeed. And she looked upon him in a certain way, and she spake unto him angrily, saying,

12 Because thou hast dared to say these things unto me, therefore will I eat no more at thy table.

13 Verily, the king of Hu, he may scatter me unto the stars, if so be it he can; but it is not in him to send me down to thy dungeon.

14 And notwithstanding that her words, they were lacking in wisdom, nevertheless, I was filled with a great pride because she was one of the women of En.

15 ¶ And after I was come out of that place, I did get me down unto the infernal regions that are underneath the earth.

16 And the people that were there, they were in number as the hairs upon the backs of twenty horses; and there were men of En amongst them also; yes, several of them did I see.

17 And I perceived a great profusion of chattels, and goods in an infinite variety. And the women that were there, they were eating divers victuals for to sustain their bodies; but the children and men, they did take theirs from a bottle.

18 ¶ And a certain woman that I knew not, she spake unto me in these words, saying, I beseech thee, son of man, to impart unto me the hour of our going up.

19 And because the affair was not of my doing, therefore neither did I know the hour of the going up. Nevertheless, I scrupled not to tell her the time of it, for she was an old thing and full of trepidation.

20 Now the stink in that place, it was full of violence, being very abominable, so that I was like to be sick unto death because of it. Wherefore, I did make haste for to get me out of it, fearing to tarry there any longer.

21 ¶ And after I was come up, I did go forth into the night. And immediately I was espied by a guardian of the people; and he admonished me soundly.

22 And he showed me an hole near by that was lately dug by the men of Hu; and he told me also concerning the danger attending on fools. And he bade me take heed of his warning.

23 But in all the time that he did speak unto me concerning my safety, he spake nothing concerning his own, so that I did marvel greatly at his valour.

24 Nevertheless, he was a little man and fat, and the bristles of his brows stood out as an army at attention.

25 And even as I yet delayed my going down, lo, one blew a bugle; and immediately the people came out in their thousands from their places in the bowels of the earth.

26 ¶ And I did go amongst the multitude for to hear them, and what they said about it.

27 And when I had heard the things that I did hear, I perceived that they were greatly vexed in spirit; and the manner of their indignation, it was in two kinds.

28 And they said many bitter things against the men of Hu, because of the thing that they had done.

29 But they were provoked beyond measure against the rulers of En, because they did not do those things, and more also, in the cities of the land of Hu.

CHAPTER XVII.

1 The city of Lon is divided into parts. 4 Certain men get them new names. 7 An heavy tax is imposed upon the traders. 11 A dearth of paper arises in the land. 13 Concerning Northcliffe. 16 And concerning Welz. 22 Strange chariots are seen throughout the land. 25 The ways of the charioteers.

All Gaul is divided into three parts; but at the time when there was war, the city of Lon, it was divided into more parts than three. And unto each part there was a number given.

2 And it was ordained that whosoever should write him an epistle unto any man of Lon, he should write also the number of the part upon the outside of it.

3 And all the people obeyed the commandment. But the rulers, and the servants of the rulers, they obeyed it not, being exercised with the business of the war so that they forgot all else.

4 ¶ Now there were certain men and their names, they were framed after the manner of those of Hu. And it was a cause of continual trouble unto them that their names, they were what they were.

5 And they gathered themselves together and they did commune, the one with the other, concerning their infirmity. And they cursed the days of their births, and did pour loud murmurings of anger upon the heads of their ancestors.

6 And, afterwards, they gat them new names. Yea, whatsoever name seemed good unto them, that name did they take for themselves, so that no man ever again did hold up his hands in horror at the mention of them.

7 ¶ Now the rulers laid a tax upon the profits of all the traders that did make benefit during the time when there was war. And it was an heavy tax, so that little was left over.

8 Wherefore all the traders set them out for to make that kind of money that is not amongst the profits. And they were hard put to for to do it.

9 And they became full of generosity towards their servants, and they did exercise great care in the preservation of their buildings, nor grudged a little money for to make them beautiful.

10 Yea, they were full of craft, and their cunning filled the hearts of the righteous sort with envy. And the money that they did make, verily, it was not all of the kind that is amongst the profits.

11 ¶ Now it came to pass that a great dearth of paper arose throughout the land, and all the people were afraid because of it, And they reasoned amongst themselves, the one with the other, saying,

12 By what means shall the scribes instruct us if, so be it, the paper be taken away? And who shall train us up in the way we should go?

13 ¶ And there was a certain man, and his name, it was Northcliffe. And he called all the people unto him, and he spake unto them.

14 And he went down on his knees before them, and he besought them earnestly and with many tears that they should refrain from buying that paper which did bear the sign of The Times.

15 And the power of his eloquence, it did move them mightily. Also, his paper was of the cost of two pennies at a time when two farthings sufficed for another. Wherefore many did hearken unto his prayer.

16 ¶ Now there was a learned scribe, and his name, it was Welz. And he was the first amongst all the men of En that did fly unto the moon.

17 And it came to pass that he did set out for to get him paper, and he did get it. Yea, notwithstanding that it was a time of war, nevertheless, he did get him a great abundance of paper.

18 And after it was got together, he sate him down upon a seat, and he did write. And after the writing was finished, he called certain men unto him, and he did flip his fingers, and he said unto them,

19 Behold, there is a new God come to be over us. For I that know, I have written it. And what I have writ, verily, it is. And it was not.

20 And he did get him more paper, and he sate him down again, and he did write. And after the writing was finished, he called certain men unto him, and he did flip his fingers, and he said unto them,

21 Behold, there is no king for to reign over us. For I that know, I have written it. And what I have writ, verily, it is. And it was not.

22 ¶ Now it came to pass about this time that many strange chariots were seen throughout the land. And each one did carry upon it a mighty bag, a puffed out thing of wonderful design.

23 And they were those chariots that erstwhile had been wont to take their motion from a tank but, being converted, they now did take it from the bag.

24 Nevertheless, it was whispered amongst the people that notwithstanding that the bag, it was full, yet would they move not when the tank was empty. Wherefore many did doubt the sincerity of their conversion.

25 ¶ Now whensoever it happened that a young man approached unto the driver of a public chariot seeking for to hire him at a price, then would the charioteer consider him for to see the manner of man that he was.

26 And he would look upon the countenance of the young man; yea, from the crown of his head unto the soles that were upon his feet, he would observe him narrowly.

27 And if the young man pleased him, he would say unto him, Because thou hast found favour in mine eyes, therefore am I content. And the hire, it shall be at a price.

28 But if the young man was ill-favoured nor found favour in the eyes of the charioteer because he carried a mean look, then would the charioteer say unto him,

29 Begone, thou man of little promise, for what have I to do with thee? Also, the wheels of my chariot are lacking in wind, and I am a man that hath an empty tank.

30 Yea, howsoever it was, verily, he would have his reason. And after he had finished speaking, then would he haste him away for to seek the man of his choice.

CHAPTER XVIII.

1 Food is measured out unto the people. 4 A certain woman hath an appetite. 12 She retaineth it. 13 The ways of a young man. 15 The rulers lay hands on the people's pleasures. 23 Concerning certain amongst the makers of munitions for the war.

Now the chief larderer of the land of En did send unto the people, and he spake unto them concerning the things that they should eat, and concerning how much.

2 And he commanded them that they should partake of meat according to a certain measure, and of other things also, a weekly rate for every week, all the weeks of the war.

3 And he cautioned all them that were given over to the pursuit of food, and he forbade them to eat of certain viands save only according to the measure. And he gave all the people cards; yea, unto every man, he did give a card.

4 ¶ Now there was a certain woman, being a woman of an appetite, and she lived in an house where four people were. And she went unto the bazaar, and she did buy her meat.

5 And she did pay for it in five pieces of silver and in four new stamps. And the meat, it was to provide sustenance during all that week for them that were in the house.

6 And when she was come home, she did put it in a safe place, saying, Because it is a little meat, therefore let us preserve it until the Sabbath be come.

7 Now it came to pass that two of them that did live in that house, they were called away; and the Sabbath was not yet come.

8 And the woman, she was left alone with her husband; and the meat, it did also remain. And she lifted up her voice on high, singing songs of jubilation because the meat, it was grown double.

9 And she said unto her husband, Let us therefore make us a festival, and let us eat our fill, and more also. And let us buy wine of a rare vintage for to cheer us on the day.

10 And she went out and she did get her wine of a rare vintage that was very old. And her Sabbath eve was passed in joyful expectation.

11 And when the morrow was come, she made her preparations for the festival. And she made her sauces of a choice flavour, and a little gravy also. And when the mixing of them, it was done, she betook herself unto the safe place where the meat, it was hid.

12 ¶ And, behold, it was gone, being eaten up of the cat. And the anguish of that woman, it was terrible. Neither did the sauces of a choice flavour, nor the gravy, nor the wine of a rare vintage suffice for to console her in the time of her tribulation.

13 ¶ Now whensoever it happened that a young man, being devoured of love for a damsel, did seek for to pave the way, then would he wait upon the damsel's mother.

14 And he would bring with him seven small pieces of sugar and a little butter, for it was a sure means, nor ever failed of its purpose.

15 ¶ Now the rulers made them a decree, and they ordained that a measure of water, it should be added unto all the strong drink that was sold throughout the land.

16 And the publicans made haste with a good heart for to fulfil the rulers' behest; yea, wonderful was their zeal in the doing of it.

17 Wherefore that which was erstwhile strong, behold, it was grown very weak; nevertheless, there were some who contended that a little of it, sprinkled upon ground where seeds were, it hastened the time of the harvest.

18 And the rulers of the land did also make them a new ale, being of the colour of drink, but not otherwise.

19 And all the blowers of froth, they came together for to seek enlivenment of it. Nevertheless, after that they had drunk all that which the publicans did have, yet gat they not enlivenment.

20 But they remained a miserable lot and sober; verily, there was not one amongst them that could say unto his friend on the morrow,

21 Assuredly, it was a goodly night and very pleasing, for I did get me rarely oiled, being bailed out by my brother.

22 Wherefore many did murmur against the rulers because they stretched forth their hands for to touch the pleasures of the people.

23 ¶ Now it came to pass on occasions that certain of the makers of munitions for the war, being the foolish and the ill-advised amongst them, they did cease from their labours because they were displeased.

24 Peradventure they were dissatisfied on account of their hire, seeking that it should be added to by the matter of one farthing for every hour of their labour.

25 And after they had rested them for a time, withholding their help from their brothers that were gone into battle, then that which they asked, it would be given unto them.

26 And they would take it as the fitting reward of their persistence, nor recked the farthing, that it was paid for in the blood of valiant men.

27 Nevertheless, there were also others amongst the makers of munitions that ceased not from their labours, nor rested them either by day or by night, but were for ever at it.

28 And all the people honoured them, being thankful that such as these, both the men and the women of them, they were left for to prove the land of En before the eyes of the world.

CHAPTER XIX.

1 Concerning the women. 3 Certain of them are rewarded. 4 And certain of them go forth with the fighters. 7 And certain of them become scribes unto the rulers. 16 Concerning revelations. 19 The young man and the maiden that was full up.

Now the things that came to pass amongst the women of the land, they were of divers kinds according to the manner of the women.

2 And those that before the war had been wont to ride through the country carrying fire and brimstone, they became full of zeal for the glory of En.

3 ¶ Wherefore they gat their reward, being vouchsafed the right to speak on the choice of the rulers. And they were filled with contentment, saying, the one unto the other, It is the beginning.

4 ¶ And certain of the women did go forth for to be with the fighters of En. And they were of two kinds. And some of them were Waacs, and some of them were Wrens.

5 And those that were Waacs, they were of the land; and those that were Wrens, they were of the sea.

6 And the things that they did do made all men wonder, for they avoided not the hardships of their brothers, but shared with them the trials on the way.

7 ¶ And certain of the damsels did contrive for to get them work at the hands of the governors; and they did go unto those places where the business of war, it was carried on.

8 And after the work of the day, it was come to an end, then would they foregather, and they would commune, the one with the other. And they would say,

9 Hast thou seen the new captain that be come unto our room? Verily, he hath a countenance that pleaseth me mightily, and his eyes, they be blue; moreover, there is hair upon his lip that tempteth exceedingly.

10 Also, he hath looked upon me with a look; and, peradventure, I have found favour in his eyes. Yea, notwithstanding that men do say he hath got shekels in abundance, nevertheless, I have a feeling towards him in spite of it.

11 And the damsel unto whom she did speak, she would make answer, and she would say, Verily, there are many that will envy thee because of thy captain. And now will I tell thee something also.

12 There is a certain man and he is of an high rank, being even one that captains do salute. And he is that man who doth say unto me the things that I shall write.

13 And after that I have brought the writing unto him and he hath made his mark upon it, then doth he reward me; and the manner of the reward, it is a kiss.

14 Peradventure in a little time he will make him an arrangement for to meet me afterwards, the better to say unto me all those things that a man, who loveth much, doth speak to the maiden that hath him.

15 And, because thou art my friend, therefore shalt thou be welcome to mine house when the time cometh that we be wed.

16 ¶ And certain of the damsels did don strange apparel, that was like unto the raiment of men. And their nether limbs did stand revealed; yea, their legs, they were no longer hid.

17 And men perceived their shape, that some of them were straight, and some were of a curve; and the others, they knocked them at the knees.

18 And they cursed the war in their hearts because of these things, that it had revealed them. And they prayed that the days of their innocence might be given back unto them and their faith again made whole.

19 ¶ Now there were some amongst the young men that, being with a maid, did wrongly read the tokens of the damsel's love, and the look of it, thinking, Perchance the damsel fasteth over long.

20 And he would say unto her, Let us now seek out a place where we may regale ourselves with meat, and with choice viands.

21 And with a measure of prepared wheat, and with a little wine also, for I perceive that thy stomach, it troubleth thee somewhat.

22 And the damsel, she would make denial of it, and she would be loth for to go in, feigning to be freshly nourished, and abundantly.

23 And he would strive to cajole her; nevertheless, for a long time, she would hearken not unto the voice of his pleadings.

24 But when he was come to the end of his persuasions and she did perceive that the meal, it was in peril, then would she speak unto him earnestly.

25 And she would say unto him, For thy sake will I do this thing; yea, for none other would I eat at a time when I be full up. And after that she was finished speaking, then would she go in.

26 And if she did know that the taste of his mouth was towards sweetness, then would she seek to gain favour in his eyes, and she would say unto him,

27 Take thou the morsel of sugar that be mine, for the need of thy servant, it is nought in comparison with thine.

28 And so she would win his regard, even with the morsel of sugar would she do it. And, afterwards, she would set about it, and she would eat.

29 And when she had made an end of eating, the young man, he would be amazed. And upon the next day, he would say unto his friend,

30 Verily, it were better to take an hungry man into such a place than a maiden, full up, that holdeth back.

31 Yea, what shall it profit a man that the music tell of a perfect day, if his pockets be empty and the week, it yet young.

CHAPTER XX.

Take heed, my son, and hearken unto the words of Artemas, for there are many that will give thee counsel, yet wisdom cometh only from the few.

2 Depart not from the narrow path of virtue, for he that steppeth from the duck board, assuredly, he getteth him wet feet.

3 Therefore, make thy life wisely, O my son, lest thy neighbour speak ill concerning thee.

4 For the way of the transgressor, it is soft, needing a light tread and without weight. And he that leaveth his footprint behind, his foolishness doth condemn him.

5 But whosoever sinneth with prudence, that man shall be exalted unto heaven, and his name, it shall exhale a perfume very sweet.

6 A damsel blusheth because of thee; verily, she is sick of love. If there be an asp in the house, embrace it; it were better this than that.

7 For the thongs with which thou thinkest to have bound her, fool! they are knotted about thyself.

9 Beware of thy wife when she forgiveth thee. When she sayeth unto thee, What matter the wildness of thy young oats, then shalt thou take care.

10 Verily, she schemeth only that she may draw thee on. And whatsoever thou shalt say, that will she surely have up against thee.

11 Neither will she cease from reminding thee concerning all thy wickedness, digging up thine ill-sown fields continually.

12 For in this manner will she show thee how deep are the depths of thy vileness. And the forgiveness of so much, shall it not signify the largeness of her heart?

13 Now there is a way unto the management of a wife, and a manner of bringing her up.

14 For the wise man, he speaketh with his mouth, and he saith unto her, Thou art fair, my love, my spouse; thou art fair.

15 Thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes; with the other also hast thou taken me, and I am become exceedingly thine.

16 And after he has said all these things unto her, and more also, then doth he send her out for to gather him victuals. And, behold, she goeth forth content.

17 But the fool, he worketh the raw skin unto his bones for love of her, neither seeketh he requital because of it. And, lo, the woman complaineth for ever.

18 Remember thy life, that thou livest it, for it was given unto thee for the purpose;

19 And he that counselleth thee in otherwise, he is a fool that doth threaten to rob thee of thy mite.

20 By a damsel's kisses shalt thou know her; and the kiss of thy best beloved, it shall be fraught with disappointment.

21 For if she hath not met the lips of other men, then shall her kisses lack seasoning.

23 The damsel crieth out in her foolishness, saying, A little love, and a little love, and a little love. And the young man fleeth before her.

CHAPTER XXI.

Blessed is he that hath a full drum; and those that wait without the bazaars, they shall look upon it with envy.

3 Wherefore, beware of the damsel with ruddy locks. For if it be so, assuredly she will devour thee up; but if it be of henna, a draught of spring water will serve thee equally.

5 For the ways of those do grow in artfulness; neither is there any man that can stand up against them.

6 Now there is a certain woman, and she hath hair of a length; it is like unto silk also, and the colour of it allureth the eye.

7 Verily, that woman will contrive that thou shall loosen the pin of it. Yea, in thy clumsiness, thou shalt bring it down.

8 For it is a snare with which she seeketh to entrap thee; and the cunning of her maketh thee her tool in the matter of thine own enticement.

9 List not to the voice of the tale-bearer, and the scandalmonger shalt thou abhor with a great abhorrence.

10 For what hast thou to do with virtue? And who art thou to prescribe thy neighbour's life?

11 Verily, rumour raceth like the wind; it groweth quicker than light when the sun riseth. And scandal, it is the father of more children than are.

12 Judge not a man according to the look of him, else shalt thou be many times deceived.

13 For the brightest button, is it the chief upon thy raiment? Nay, neither doth it support thy necessary garment.

14 The young man, he loveth easily, but at two score years he waxeth discreet.

16 In the heat of the desert, then think of Hell, for it is a pleasant thought that will comfort thee somewhat.

17 Thine enemy hurleth a missile. It cometh through the air for to out thee. If thou art a fool, remove not from that place. But if thou art wise, then haste thee quickly away.

18 For every snail hath its shell, and he getteth it on his back; but the laggard, he getteth it in the neck.

20 A damsel inclineth towards thee. She regardeth thee with soft eyes and there is meaning in her glance.

21 Peradventure thou hast a blot upon the beauty of thy face which annoyeth thee continually. Nevertheless, she will not see it.

22 At the largeness of thine ears, at the uprightness of thine hair, at thy teeth that were made for thee, she will look at none of these.

23 But if thy pocket be empty, lo, she will see them all. Neither will she forgive thee for being what thou art.

24 Woe unto man that be born upon earth, neither is there any help in him save only death.

25 For whosoever liveth his years in solitude, his old age shall be full of desolation. But whosoever taketh unto himself a wife, that man's last days, they shall be an abomination unto him.

26 Take heed, my son, and hearken unto the words of Artemas, for there are many that will give thee counsel, yet wisdom cometh only from the few.

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ARTEMAS

CHAPTER I.