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.
33 ¶ And on the eighth day she gat her another.
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.
11 That man, he hath the makings of a safe husband, for he foreseeth things.
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.
8 The wages of sin is death, but a wife may be given even unto the righteous.
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.
22 But if she knoweth the way, assuredly, some other hath been at her.
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.
24 But the wise virgin maketh a discreet noise; and she taketh him unawares.
CHAPTER XXI.
Blessed is he that hath a full drum; and those that wait without the bazaars, they shall look upon it with envy.
2 A little love warmeth the blood; but much love, it is a consuming fire.
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.
4 Beware of all women, and avoid thou them that would undo thee.
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.
15 The damsel, she loveth easily, and at two score years she waxeth easier.
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.
19 Howbeit, it is not always the quick man that goeth first over the top.
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.