CHAPTER X.
1 The beginning of Flag Days. 7 The nature thereof. 10The plight of the males. 14 Their efforts to escape. 17 The generosity of the people. 19 The disadvantage of a new alliance.
Now it came to pass that those who were in the land of En made them a custom, and they did sanctify certain days of the year unto charity.
2 And the days that were sanctified they did call Flag Days.
3 Now these are certain of the Flag Days that were set aside unto charity in the land of En in the days of the Great War.
4 There was Our Day, and Star and Garter Day, and Roll of Honour Day, and Red Cross Day, and Blue Cross Day.
5 And there was France's Day, and Russia's Day, and Serbia's Day, and Italy's Day, and Montenegro's Day, and Roumania's Day, and Portugal's Day.
6 And there were other Flag Days in great number so that I, even I, Artemas, the scribe, remember not one half.
7 ¶ And on a day that was a Flag Day the young maidens of the cities would gather themselves together ere the morning was weaned, and they would set out.
8 And they would hie them unto the populous places of the cities and they would place themselves in ambush behind the corners of the streets; yea, each one would take unto herself a certain corner as her own, and she would lie low.
9 And when any man approached nigh unto the place where she was hid, then would she spring out on a sudden and she would tackle him.
10 ¶ And she would pin a flag unto his garment, even unto the lapel of his coat would she pin her flag; and whatsoever money he did have for to buy him bread, that would she take from his pouch for to pay her, wherefore he needs did fast.
11 And there was no way of escape open unto him, for the young girls of that time were a slim lot and they knew the manner of working it.
12 And so it came to pass that, when the night was come, the damsels that had sold them flags were bowed down beneath a great weight of gold. And the men that had paid, these were sent empty away.
13 And they returned unto their habitations, each man being wonderfully adorned; yea, from the crowns of their heads unto the turn-up of their nether garments were they gay with coloured flags.
14 ¶ Now there were certain men that, seeking to throw dust in the eyes of the sellers of flags, did build them dungeons underneath the ground, saying, with a sly look, It will be a safe place if, perchance, a Zeppelin cometh nigh.
15 Nevertheless, on a night when the Zeppelins did hover above them, then were they on the roofs of their habitations with glasses that did magnify;
16 But on the days that were Flag Days, then did they betake themselves stealthily away and they did hide in the far corner of the Zeppelin dungeon that was deepest down.
17 ¶ And because much good flowed from the Flag Days, and because the number of mites that was gathered in was very great, therefore did the people stick them, each man giving according to his means.
18 Yea, even those that did retire unto their Zeppelin cellars did give to an extent, for the young girls followed them thitherwards, so that there was no means of escape left unto them; verily, they were like unto a spider that is caught in the meshes of its own web.
19 ¶ Wherefore it came to pass that when another nation did join with the people of En, and did fight with them against the men of Hu, there were some in the land that did foresee things, and their hearts misgave them.
20 And when one spake chidingly unto them, saying, Why do ye not rejoice, O men of little satisfaction? Behold, there is yet another that fighteth with us. Then would they make answer and would say, Assuredly is there another ally come to join us. And there is also another Flag Day that bringeth greater persecution at the corners of the streets. And they were full of foreboding concerning it.
21 But the Flag Days found favour amongst the women of the land, for then was man delivered into their hands and they needed not to spare him.
CHAPTER XI.
1 The young men go out for to fight. 2 Many take unto themselves wives. 11 Some think it not wise. 19 Some transgress the law. 22 The matrons are rejoiced. 23 All the maidens would wed amongst the officers. 27 Concerning the damsels that were left over.
Now in the land of En the young men did hurry them away unto the war, and amongst the maidens there were many sad at heart.
2 ¶ And when the time drew nigh unto a young man that he must gird up his loins and go, then would he speak unto the damsel of his choice.
3 And he would say unto her, Thou knowest that there yet remaineth unto me only so many days; let us therefore arrange matters quickly that we be married.
4 And because the time was short and it was her chance, she would answer and would say unto him, Thou art my lord, and whatsoever thou commandest, it shall be done. Let us therefore hasten about it lest, peradventure, we meet with an hindrance upon the way.
5 For the women of that time were a crafty lot and they did beguile their men with soft words; and the wiles of Bathsheba, that did wash herself, were as nothing in comparison to these, for they were full of artfulness.
6 And when she had told her mother and them that were about the place, she would take the young man unto the priest for to make them a day; and after it was in order, then would they go unto the ringmaker and she would try on whatsoever came unto her hand. Yea, many rings would she place upon her finger; but the ring that she did choose, that did she not try on, fearing lest it prove unlucky in the afterwards.
7 Now it happened in certain cases that the damsel needed not to furnish her with garments for the wedding, inasmuch as she was prepared, being ready against the occasion.
8 But when it was not so, then would the damsel set about it, and she would make things hum. And she and those that were related unto her and her handmaidens also, they would haste them unto the bazaars. And whatsoever was necessary unto the marriage, that thing would they buy; and of the things that were not necessary unto the marriage, they would also buy them some of these.
9 And when the last minute was come, then would they send the old man for to buy that which was forgotten, saying unto him, Get thee quickly, thou fool. And he would get him quickly.
10 And when the hour was come for the young man to take the damsel unto him, behold, she was there. And throughout all the land of En there was no case known of a damsel that did come too late.
11 ¶ And because there was a great number of them that did wed in this wise, therefore was there much talk concerning it, both in the public places and in the habitations of the people.
12 And some did say it was a foolish thing to do. And they did speak darkly concerning the future, what it did hide, for it went for a saying amongst them that a marriage that is hasty bringeth early regret.
13 And others said, Let the young men wed. Verily, many go forth unto the wars but the number of them that return, it is not so great. Therefore is it necessary for them that are of an age to make them families, else in what manner shall the nation endure.
14 And the young things heeded not these arguments, for they were young and did love. And whosoever loveth enough, he hath his justification.
15 But woe unto that man who taketh unto himself a wife for the sake of it; a million tears will not suffice for to drown her in.
16 But he that marrieth his beloved in haste, seeking happiness, that man assuredly hath a dog's chance; and he that taketh time about the business, is not his risk also great?
17 And there were some that did marry for love and there were some that did marry for a pension; but there were some that did marry because it was a discreet thing to do.
18 And the number of them that did marry was beyond anything that men could remember, so that the priests did gather them an harvest of exceeding richness and they did bless the unions with many pious words.
19 ¶ Now certain men did take unto themselves more wives than one, which was a wicked thing to do, for in the land of En it was not lawful for a man to marry two wives.
20 And this was passing strange, for the seduction of a maiden was a thing that was winked at. Yea, the father of a child begotten guiltily, he was absolved by the payment of five pieces of silver every week. But the man whose wife did bear him a son, his punishment was greater than this.
21 And in those days was man judged according to a rule, and an hurt transgressing not the rule, that was forgiven unto him. And to marry two wives, that was against the rule; but to keep two score of concubines, that was a lawful thing to do.
22 ¶ And because there was war, therefore did many mothers pull off forlorn hopes at the last minute, which rejoiced them greatly. For there was much competition amongst the daughters of En, and the number of young men did not suffice for all.
23 ¶ And every maiden did seek for to get her an officer, for these were great men whom the common soldiers did salute in the public places, so that to walk with such an one was indeed pleasurable.
24 And there was much cackling in all the hen-roosts of the land of En, and amongst those families that did get them an officer there were loud manifestations of joy.
25 And the pride of these was beyond all telling, and they would hold up their heads on high and they would say unto them that did live next door, Bow ye down before us and make obeisance. Know ye not that Miriam, our first-born, hath taken a captain to husband?
26 And because they did know it and because their daughter had succeeded only as high as a corporal of the lance, they would bow themselves down and would speak words of flattery, for she that was wife unto a captain was a power in the confines of the cities.
27 But there were many maidens that no man took unto him for wife, and the days of these were bitter living; neither did their sisters that had clicked refrain from telling them about it.
28 Wherefore some of the damsels that were left over did journey into the wilderness for to meditate concerning the matter, for the airs of a woman that is married are as a goad unto her that languisheth alone.
29 And so it came to pass that certain of them did get them war work from the makers of munitions, and certain of them did get them war babies from no man knew whither. Yea, every one did act according to her lights and did do all those things that the occasion did demand.
CHAPTER XII.
1 Concerning those that went not forth for to fight. 14 The rulers commune together on the matter. 17 And call out all the young men. 18 But certain are absolved. 25 Wherefore many are combed out. 29 And the people are satisfied. 31 Each man payeth for his own strong drink.
And when the fighters had gone forth unto the war, there yet remained certain men that were strong and sound of limb. And every man that went not forth, he had his reason.
2 And some said, To kill men in battle is a wicked thing. Would ye therefore have us to go against our consciences?
3 And when the people questioned these, they replied unto them, saying, The wise man giveth obedience unto his conscience lest it torment him; neither is there any escape from it. And we are men of wisdom.
4 And if one of the men of Hu shall ravish our eldest daughter, then shall we offer unto him she that is next unto her that he may ravish her also; for so it is written.
5 And they that questioned them forbore to ask them more, deeming a conscience such as this was assuredly come from the devil.
6 And there were some that, being affrighted, hid themselves away. And the number of these was small and, when the time came, they were combed out.
7 And there were others that were grown selfish, because they did gain much recompense by their labours, and these were loth to leave their habitations. And they did say,
8 Wherefore should we go forth for to fight? In our houses there are many fires and the women do put them hot bricks into our beds so that our feet suffer not when the night groweth cold.
9 And if we go out for to fight, verily, the rain from heaven will fall upon us and it will make us wet. And a skin that is wet affecteth the nose.
10 And the food that we shall eat, it will lie heavy upon our stomachs; neither will the women sustain us with hot bricks.
11 And because of all these things, they went not forth unto the war until the time came when they were combed out.
12 And there were many men throughout the land that were willing to go at the time appointed, each man in his turn.
13 And these did say, "Wherefore should we depart from our habitations and wherefore leave our wives amongst strange people? Send first the young men that are hanging back; and, afterwards, when our time cometh, we shall be ready. And ye shall find us in the forefront of the battle.
14 ¶ And because that which they had said was just, therefore the rulers of the land could not gainsay them. And they communed together in the council chamber concerning it.
15 And some, knowing not the spirit of the people, did say, Let us now do nothing rash lest, if we call up all the young men, they raise an outcry throughout the land.
16 But there were others that said, It is sufficient that we have need of men for to send against the enemy. Let us therefore see about it.
17 ¶ And they overruled those that were against them, and did make them a law whereby all the young men were called out for to fight.
18 ¶ But they absolved them that were in the workshops making the munitions of war, and acquitted them also that were plagued with a conscience.
19 And because the men of Ire said, We will not have it, therefore the rulers dared not to say them nay, for the men of Ire were rulers in the land of En.
20 And they appointed them tribunals, a mixed lot of men, so that those that were called out might show them a reason against it.
21 And because the net that was spread in the sight of the young men was wide in the mesh, therefore was the haul thereof fraught with disappointment. And the young men did work themselves free in ways that were various.
22 And some hied them unto the workshops to become makers of munitions of war, saying, the one unto the other, By this means, assuredly, shall we save our skins. And for a long time it was so.
23 And others did cry their woes before the tribunals. And the tales that they did tell were pitiful indeed, and they did move the tribunals unto compassion so that they absolved them.
24 And the rulers, that did ought to set an example, made lusty youths for to be their scribes, and they did put them for to do women's work. And the number of them that were absolved in this wise became a crying shame that was heard throughout all the land.
25 ¶ And when the rulers were questioned hotly concerning these men and concerning those that had hidden themselves behind the rampart that was munitions, they bestirred themselves somewhat and did comb them out.
26 And the number that they did comb out was very great. And because they had not done this thing before, but had waited until the people raised them a clamour, therefore were the rulers blamed exceedingly.
27 Nevertheless, those that rebelled against it because they did have consciences, these were not sent out for to fight.
28 But some of them were set to work upon matters of health, which was a loathsome duty and abhorred by them who, being without a conscience, went out against the enemy.
29 ¶ And when all the men that were of full vigour had been taken, there was an end to the murmuring of the people.
30 And all were of one mind that this thing should have been done before, for they saw that the taking was just, no man suffering beyond his neighbour, and every man fighting for his own.
31 ¶ Now it was made a law that whosoever should enter into a tavern for to buy him strong drink, that man must pay for his own.
32 And there were some, being them that drank beyond their means, that had a grievance because of it, for to pay for their own, they had forgotten the way.
33 Wherefore they did suffer exceedingly and were for ever dry; and their look, it was a thirsty one.
34 And when the damsels heard about it, they set them out for to find a means to circumvent it, for the thing was not agreeable unto them.
35 And when a maiden approached unto a tavern, being with a man that had a leaning towards her, then would she stop outside, and she would say unto him, Give thou unto me five pieces of silver that I may pay for mine own. And whatsoever remaineth over, that will I give thee back after we are come out.
36 And they would enter into a tavern. And she would call the serving man unto her and she would speak unto him in a soft voice, saying, Bring unto me a small portion of that wine which cometh from Oporto that I may nourish my bones.
37 And the serving man would bring it unto her, and he would set it down before her. And the damsel would pay for it out of the five pieces of silver that she had received from her man. And whatsoever was left over, that would she place in her purse.
38 And afterwards, she would smile upon the man that was with her, and she would say unto him, Thy beard becometh thee well. Thou art strong and thy wisdom is great and thine eyes absorb me utterly. Verily doth thine handmaiden feel small in the sight of her lord.
39 All this would she say unto him, and more also; but concerning that which was remaining over from the five pieces of silver she would say no word.
40 And this is ever the way of women that by their artfulness they do wangle it, and whatsoever cometh up contrary, that do they work for to be an advantage unto them.
CHAPTER XIII.
1 Concerning David. 7 His unpopularity amongst certain of the people. 9 The rulers disagree. 11 David speaketh out. 14 He findeth favour with his enemies. 17 The things that he did do. 24 He reacheth unto high office. 27 The Pharisees fall away from him. 29 His greatness.
Now there was a certain man and his name was David, and his place was amongst the rulers of the land of En.
2 Though small of stature, yet was he of a fiery spirit, and the hair upon his face was as the bristles of a badger that is roused.
3 And his tongue was for ever loose and did wag itself continually, being like unto the tail of a small dog that scenteth its food from afar.
4 Now David was one of them that did come from the land of Cam, but the language of his kindred did he speak only upon occasion;
5 And at other times he did speak as the men of En, save only when he delivered him a warning unto them that would butt in; and in such case his words were those of the land of Amer.
6 Now at the time when Willi did lead out his hosts for to fight, David was the chief tax gatherer in the land of En.
7 ¶ And his name was an abomination throughout the land. Men cursed him in the market places, in the sight of the publicans he was a thing unclean, and his name stank vilely in the nostrils of the priests.
8 Verily, to love En and David both, was not thought possible by many. Only amongst the Pharisees was it not so, and these men of little mind did glorify him with a great praise.
9 ¶ Now it came to pass when the rulers of the land of En took counsel, the one with the other, concerning whether they should make them a war, there were some that did say, Let us make a war, for an honourable pledge demandeth fulfilment; nought can absolve a nation from its plighted word, and we are what we are.
10 And there were others that were the Pharisees, and they did say, Why hasten ye towards the shedding of men's blood? Better a peace that obeyeth divine precept than a war that upholdeth the word of a nation.
11 ¶ And when David heard the things that the Pharisees did say, behold, he arose from his seat in the council chamber and spake unto all them that were there.
12 And he lashed the Pharisees with his tongue, sparing them not. And because he was of them, therefore were the words that he did say unto them passing apt, so that they did wriggle in their seats as worms that are upon an hot plate.
13 And them that would preserve the nation's honour at a cost of blood, these did he sustain with the strength of his doings and the whole might of his oratory.
14 ¶ And when the publicans and the priests and those that had cursed him in the market places were told what he had done, they were amazed that such a thing could come to pass.
15 And they said unto each other, What manner of man is this that hath for so long been against us, yet now speaketh our very minds?
16 And they raised him up and made him to be ruler over them, and he did find more favour amongst those people than he had found amongst the Pharisees in the time that was gone.
17 ¶ And it came to pass that whatsoever there was to be done, that thing did David do; verily, his capacities were as manifold as the lies of a woman accused.
18 And they made him chief over the munitioners, and he did make him engines of war and instruments of siege, and other implements of battle also, the quantity whereof exceeded calculation.
19 And nobody throughout all the land excelled him in energy and in ingenuity of the mind. And he did even make the workers to work; and this was a thing that was never before known in the land of En.
20 And when the men of Ire, because they were never content, waxed angry, the one with the other, and there was like to be rebellion amongst them, and there was need of a mediator for to judge between them,
21 Then the choice of the people fell upon David, and they did send him unto the land of Ire for to speak the soft word that charmeth away wrath.
22 And David went. And after he had finished speaking unto the men of Ire, he returned him unto his seat amongst the rulers.
23 And because he was the first man that did go for to pacify the men of Ire, yet stirred not up further strife, therefore was his name honoured above any, and poets did sing his praises on the feast days of the Eisteddfod.
24 If And the rulers did choose him to succeed unto a great soldier, and they did place him over the hosts of En, making of him a mighty captain. And because the people would have none other, therefore was he chosen.
25 And the work that was already begun, that did he continue. And he did make the hosts of En great beyond all conception, and the strength of En was as the foundations of the earth.
26 And his popularity with the people did grow day by day, wherefore men said, in jest, Behold, here cometh David, George that is the Sixth. And they that had hated him before did worship him as a god.
27 ¶ But the Pharisees knew not what to do, for he was become as a revelation unto them. Therefore did they say very little concerning him; and when it happened that they had occasion to utter his name, then would they do so with a sniff upon the word.
28 For such is the way of the Pharisees. And these do place peace above the honour of a nation and an unctuous word before the doing of a thing that is right. And in them there is no stomach for the fray.
29 ¶ But David cared not at all for such as these, and there was no man greater in all the land. And when the time came, he did sit upon the highest seat amongst the rulers of the land, because he was the chosen of the people, and they would have none other.
CHAPTER XIV.
1 The implements of war. 8 The engines that did fly. 14 Concerning the Mad Major. 25 The men of En employ tonics. 34 Wherefore the men of Hu cry out.
Now these be the implements of war, and all these things did men use at that time when the nations of the earth banded themselves together for the fight.
2 Now there were guns of great magnitude that did hit hard so that there was nothing that could withstand them, and, against them, the fortifications of the cities were as snow when the sun cometh out.
3 And the guns did scatter death on all sides, above and about, so that there was no living thing left nigh unto the place where they did strike; and the compass of a gun, it was beyond the sight of human eye.
4 And there were mines that the engineers did make them underneath the ground; and all that which was above the ground, that did they scatter unto the heavens so that when it returned again to earth, behold, it was not.
5 Also was there gas, and it was made of a vile poison; and when any man did deeply breathe of it, that man would most assuredly die; and the manner of his death, it was terrible.
6 And they that first made use of the gas that was poison were the men of Hu, for it was in them to do so because their minds did travel unto such things.
7 And there was liquid that was fire, and it was sent against an host for to burn up the flesh of them that came in the way. And this was also from the men of Hu and was bred of their refinement. And neither of these things did the nations of Eur use in any war that they did wage before.
8 ¶ And there were engines that did fly through the air, fearsome weapons of war that did deal out death and destruction from an ambush of clouds.
9 And they were of two kinds. And the Zeps were fat-bellied, being of the men of Hu.
10 These did carry on their goings out a great weight of matter that was death. And they did drop it at a venture so that it fell amongst peaceful dwellers in the land; and the women and children that did perish by this means, it was a great number.
11 And there were also engines that did fly which men called planes: and these were of both sides. And they were speedy things and nimble.
12 And those that did ride in them were brave men and skilful. And the men of Hu prospered not with the planes save only in the flight, at which they were exceeding quick.
13 And so there came a time when the men of Hu forbore to go up into the air for to fight because the hazard of such an enterprise, it was very great.
14 ¶ Now the bravery of the warriors of En that did ride in the planes was in the mouths of all the peoples of the earth. And there was one whom men did call the Mad Major because of his daring.
15 And it was said concerning him that he and death played them a long game wherein the dice were loaded on the side of death.
16 And he would venture forth and would fly from the camp of the men of En until he came unto a place whence he could see the hosts of Hu spread out beneath him.
17 Then would he choose him a target from amongst the strong places that were below, and he would swoop him down on a sudden so that he was but a few cubits on high.
18 And the men of Hu would use all manner of weapons against him, and they would send projectiles that did scatter about for to bring him down amongst them.
19 Yea, from the places that were nigh unto him and from the places that were afar off would they send of their munition, seeking only that they might slay him. And the heavens were filled with a multitude of balls so that men said, Verily, in the place where he is, in that place only is it possible for man to live.
20 And when he that was called the Mad Major was low enough, then would he drop him a bomb. And it came to pass that all that which was underneath, it was destroyed, and the men that were there did assuredly perish.
21 Then would he ascend into the air unto a certain height, for that which he had come for to do, it was done.
22 And he would loop him a loop; yea, even over the hosts of Hu would he loop him a loop, for he was of a merry spirit and it was in him to laugh in this manner.
23 And when he had looped him a loop he would return unto the men of En, and he would say unto them, The bombs that thou gavest unto me went off. Give me, therefore, some more that I may dispose of them in likewise.
24 And he was not alone in the things that he did do, for there were many like unto him. And concerning the deeds of some thou shalt find it writ in the books; but concerning many, thou shalt find no record of their deeds in the chronicles of that time.
25 ¶ And the men of En did make them chariots of strange and wonderful design, and they did call them tanks. And there was no man throughout all the land that did say, I made not this chariot; but every man did draw his neighbour unto the side, and did speak unto him privily, saying, Shush! Let it not be known. I tell thee that I, even I, did take an hand in this thing.
26 And the shape of the tanks was for a long time known only to the few. And some said they were like unto a lizard that is blown out mightily, that walketh as a man plagued with the corns.
27 And others said they were like unto an hippopotamus that doth wobble itself amazingly so that no man knoweth whither it intendeth; yet, of a certainty, doth it get there.
28 And others said they were like unto nothing on earth, being for the most part belly of a fashion that is given unto no living thing.
29 And that which was a shield and a covering unto the tanks was tough past all belief; yea, even the hide of the rhinoceros did not compare unto this. And all the missiles that the men of Hu did send against it were as peas upon a roof that is whole, and it availed them nothing.
30 And in its gait it was like unto a man that hath taken strong drink, having first devoured much rice. For in such case does the belly grow big and the footsteps do become unsteady. Wherefore it was a thing for laughter amongst the men of En; but in the hosts of Hu it was a thing for fear.
31 And men told strange tales of the things that it did do. And it was said that upon an occasion it did sally forth and, in its adventuring, it did meet with an habitation.
32 And it did go up unto the habitation and it did look upon it. And it did go against the habitation with a purpose so that the walls did fall about it and there was ruination on all sides.
33 And after it had shaken itself free from all that which had fallen upon it, it did betake itself with modesty unto another place as a man that is overcome with shyness and seeketh to pass it over. Verily, it recked nothing of the thing that it had done.
34 ¶ Wherefore, and because it did smite them hip and thigh, sparing not any man that did come up against it, the men of Hu were afraid, and they did cry out with loud lamentations, saying, Why do ye so despitefully use us? Know ye not that it is not in the war to do these things?
35 And because men knew them, they heeded not their groans, so that it availed them nothing; and the tank remained a thing of terror throughout all their hosts.
36 And in this thing the men of En were first amongst all the fighters of Eur, for it was new. And the people rejoiced, being satisfied that it was given unto them as a sign that the rulers were becoming awake.
CHAPTER XV.
1 Concerning the land of Amer. 4 And the ruler thereof. 11 Certain men of Amer are slain. 12 Wudro, the son of Wyl, writeth an epistle. 26 He writeth again. 27 He writeth many times. 28 Certain men do question him. 38 He revealeth himself.
Now the land of Amer was at the other side of the sea that is Atlantic, and it was many days' sail in a ship from the island of En.
2 And the bounds of that land were set far apart, and the people that did live there were more numerous than the waves of all the seas.
3 And it was a fertile land of extreme fruitfulness, and the earth underneath it yielded precious metals in abundance. And the people were for ever extolling its greatness amongst the nations of the earth.
4 ¶ Now the ruler of the land of Amer was a certain man and his name was Wudro, the son of Wyl; and it happened in this wise.
5 Whilst Wudro, the son of Wyl, was tending his flock of young men in the pasture that is knowledge, and after he had taught them how they should go and what things they should know,
6 Behold, the men of Amer came unto him, saying, We have chosen thee for to rule over us; and we have brought thee an high hat for to wear as the badge of thine office; and the size of the hat, it is six seven-eighths.
7 And because he knew not what he was letting himself in for, he gave way to their importuning, and did put on the high hat, the size whereof was six seven-eighths.
8 And it came to pass that when the men of En fought against the men of Hu, they did send messengers unto the land of Amer for to buy them munitions for the war. And they took with them gold in great quantity wherewith to satisfy the merchants that did sell unto them. Therefore did the land of Amer prosper exceedingly.
9 Now when the men of Hu found out that there was peril in the enterprise, they forbore to send out vessels of war for to fight; in place thereof, they did send them out for to murder those that were peaceful and did sail the seas without any weapon wherewith to defend themselves.
10 And coming upon a large ship unawares, they did send it unto the bottom of the sea so that all they that did travel upon it were cast into the waters for to drown. Yea, even the women and children that were aboard the vessel, all these perished miserably, and the men of Hu did watch their struggles with death unheeding.
11 ¶ Now amongst those that the men of Hu did slay there were certain men of the land of Amer.
12 ¶ And when word was brought unto Wudro, the son of Wyl, concerning it, and how the men of Hu had slain his servants, he waxed very wroth. And he betook himself unto a quiet place, fearing lest in the height of his indignation he should do violence unto any man.
13 And although he was enraged beyond endurance, nevertheless he was a patient man withal.
14 Therefore he did sit him down and he did write an epistle unto Willi, being him that ruled over the men of Hu.
15 And he said unto him, Knowest thou not that thy servants have slain certain of the men of Amer because they did sail upon the sea?
16 And Willi answered him, saying, Verily, all that thou sayest is true. Let us therefore put on sackcloth and ashes, and rend our garments, for it is a day of mourning unto thee, and I, also, am full of sorrow because of it.
17 And when Wudro, the son of Wyl, heard all that Willi had said, and how he made answer unto him in soft words, he knew not what to do, for he was a peaceable man and the land of Amer was prospering greatly.
18 So he sat him down and did write unto Willi again, saying unto him, Thy tears are as an healing ointment. But the thing that thou hast done, that shalt thou do not again, for there is a penalty unto it. Take heed, therefore, and obey, for I am a terrible man, and fierce.
19 And Willi answered him and did say, Thou hast said so and so, for I have seen it with mine own eyes. Let us now speak concerning other matters.
20 And he called unto him a messenger and did command him to deliver the epistle unto the ruler of the land of Amer.
21 And after he was gone, he set to work secretly and did make him preparation, for it was his intendment to do again that thing regarding which Wudro, the son of Wyl, had forewarned him.
22 And when the opportunity came, he did sink more ships, and he did leave those that were on them to perish. And because they were all vessels of peace, and without armour, therefore was he strong against them.
23 And a messenger came unto Wudro, the son of Wyl, in hot haste, and he told him of the things that Willi had done and how that he had slain yet more of the men of Amer.
24 And because he was much agitated at the tidings that were brought unto him, therefore did Wudro, the son of Wyl, swear an oath, making divers new words for the occasion.
25 And he said unto the courier, The matter concerning which thou hast spoken unto me is fraught with evil consequences, for I will write unto Willi another epistle, and I will use mighty words, and I will affright him. Also, there shall be an afterwards.
26 ¶ So he sat him down and did write unto Willi another epistle; and the words of it were so terrifying that the hand of his scribe did tremble even in the putting of it down.
27 ¶ And for a long time it came to pass that whenever Willi did slay any of the men of Amer, then did Wudro, the son of Wyl, send an epistle unto him, abounding in fearsome words and writ upon one side of the paper only.
28 ¶ And certain men, being of a curious mind, questioned him, saying, It is true that the epistles that thou writest are things for terror, and that the man who reads them, his blood becometh frozen so that it circulateth not.
29 And it is true, also, that the things which thou threatenest are dire. But the things that thou doest, what are they? Is it not an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth? Yet thou hast sold our lives for gold. Thy threats are idle, and thy words serve but to tickle, not to scratch.
30 And Wudro, the son of Wyl, having knowledge, did reason with them. And he spake unto them in these words, saying: What mean ye? Are not the epistles to your liking? Are not my words strong and well chosen, and is not my meaning plain to all?
31 And they answered him, saying, Verily, these things are so. Have we not said it? Nevertheless, the man that is wounded by a word, he sheweth no scar. How then is the marksman to know?
32 And hast thou not perceived that Willi laughs at thee before thy face; and, behind thy back, he doth extend his fingers towards thee, pointing them from the apex of his nostrils.
33 At thy threats doth he scoff aloud, and thy servants doth he use in a manner that is abominable.
34 If these things find not favour in thine eyes, send forth thine hosts that he may know that there is might behind thy write.
35 And Wudro, the son of Wyl, did loose his tongue upon them and he upbraided them, soundly, saying, Am I a fool and a blind man that rule over you?
36 Wherefore, then, should ye upbraid me, and who are ye to choose the time? Verily, I say unto you that a lack of understanding, it shineth from your eyes. And your words, they are wanting of any wisdom.
37 But I am trusted of my people; neither shall I betray that trust because of your importuning. And when he had spoken unto them in this wise, he sent them away. And he satisfied them not on that day.
CHAPTER XVI.
1 Wudro delivereth a warning. 5 Willi seeketh advice. 9 And taketh it. 10 Wudro acteth according to his word. 11 Whereat Willi is amazed. 13 He speaketh boastfully. 17 Wudro setteth about the matter. 22 He frighteneth Willi. 23 Who perceiveth the blessings of peace.
Now the longest rope, it hath an end. Wherefore it came to pass in time that Wudro, the son of Wyl, did send unto Willi, that was the King of the Hu, and he said unto him,
2 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. Now, therefore, hearken unto me, and pay attention:
3 Because I am a man of peace, therefore have I borne with thee long enough; and I am become sick unto death with thy carryings on. And the blood of my murdered people, it crieth out for retribution.
4 Take heed, therefore, and mend the evil of thy ways, for, on the next occasion, assuredly shalt thou rue the day.
5 And when Willi had heard these 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.
6 And he questioned them closely concerning the words of Wudro. And he said unto them, Think ye that this man, he meaneth anything?
7 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. And to make war, it would advantage him nothing. For the land of Amer, it prospereth exceedingly; and the miller turneth not away that stream which worketh his wheel.
8 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. Nevertheless, we will smite him because of it when the time is ripe.
9 And after Willi had heard all the things that the captains of his host did say unto him, his heart was rejoiced within him, and he said unto them, Assuredly are ye men after mine own understanding. Let us, therefore, see about it. And they did see about it.
10 And when word was brought unto Wudro concerning these things and how Willi did set his warning at naught, making mock of his threats, then was he very wroth, and he cried out in the violence of his anger, saying, Am I, then, Job, that be born again, to be tormented thus?
11 And he straightway called the people unto him, and he spake unto them. And after he had told them everything, he said unto them, Is it, therefore, a matter for war? And they answered him with a mighty voice, saying, It is a matter for war.
12 And when Willi heard what was come to pass, he was amazed, and his knees, they did tremble beneath him. And he commanded his servants that they should bring unto him the brazen mask, being part of the royal attire; and he did put it on.
13 And after that it was on, he did raise his voice on high, and he spake, saying,
14 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.
15 And the iron heel of Hu, it levelleth all things; neither shall any man dare to withstand it.
16 And when he had finished speaking, he sent out messengers unto the four corners of the earth, instructing them that they should tell these things unto all people, for he was a boastful fellow and a braggart, for ever holding forth in large manner for to be heard of all the world.
17 Now Wudro, the son of Wyl, after that he had made him war, he cried not out from the housetops what things he would do, but he gat him about it for to do them.
18 And he opened wide the strings of his purse so that the shekels, they gushed forth as the waters of a brook after rain.
19 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.
20 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 sent also of these, an eager band and valiant.
21 Neither was he backward in the matter of food, making due provision in all things. And he did set him about it for to build him an army, a mighty host such as never before was seen. And he rested him not, neither in the day nor in the night did he rest him, doing always those things that were requisite for the undertaking.
22 And when word was brought unto Willi that Wudro, he had taken the coat from off his back, and that he was labouring without any respite, he grew sore afraid, and he did shake all over with the violence of the tremble of his knees.
23 And when he was recovered by a potion of strong drink, he did call the Ministers of State unto his chamber, and he spake unto them, saying, Is there no one now amongst the men of peace that will raise his voice against this bloody war?
24 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.
25 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. 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?
26 And because he is what he is, therefore shall the compact of peace be made only with that man which he is not.
27 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 XVII.
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 Put not thy trust in princes, for their bond is of paper that teareth easily. And their plighted word melteth like butter, before the heat of their necessity.
3 Beware of the king whose pledge runneth away like water, for the skins of such shall paper the walls of hell.
4 A man devoured of ambition, he lieth easily; nevertheless, there cometh a time when even fools believe him not.
5 Beware of the woman that followeth thee about, for she is after thy regimental buttons.
6 And if she is safe, then is she a fool; but if she is otherwise, then is she the devil.
7 A woman hunteth thee. She lieth in wait to surprise thee, and will out upon thee when the time cometh.
8 Flee unto the mountains; pitch thou thy tent afar in the wilderness; take thou sail across the waters until thou comest unto a strange coast. Nevertheless, because she has marked thee down, therefore will she have thee.
9 When thou goest forth for to fight, take care that thou smitest thine enemy in the back, for it is the mark of a good fighter so to do.
10 Also, he that shooteth his enemy through the head sheddeth light upon his understanding.
11 When the foe doth stand two in a line, shoot thou thy bolt, for then will thine execution be twofold. Verily I say unto thee, Await thine opportunity, for a shell in time is as good as a mine.
12 Remember, my son, that the sum of two and two maketh four; yet in the reports of thine enemy thou shalt find it otherwise.
13 And because the pen is mightier than the sword, therefore believe it not, else shalt thou surely be deceived.
14 Verily I say unto thee, Blessed is the man that hath imagination, for his country shall win many battles.
15 Take ye heed of the lone voice, for in a multitude of counsellors thou shalt find confusion.
16 And an arsenal that is full of munitions is better than an hundred rulers full of words.
17 Hearken not unto the boasting of thine enemy and regard him not, for no man knoweth what the day may bring forth.
18 And in the time of its adversity the soul of a country revealeth itself.
19 Get thee about it and do things, for the voice of the sluggard dieth in his throat, but the worker is heard from afar off.
20 Make thou thy task according to thy strength, for no man that weareth costly teeth doth gnaw at the bones of an elephant.
21 Make thy life wisely, O my son, lest thy neighbours speak ill concerning thee. And if thou shouldst stray from the narrow path, remember the other, that it is of sand.
22 Wherefore, tread lightly. For he that leaveth his footprint behind, his foolishness condemns him. But the prudent sinner is exalted unto heaven, and his name, it exhaleth a very sweet perfume.
23 For whosoever sups with the devil in a place where men pass by, shall he not, therefore, turn out the light?
24 Woe unto the peacemongers that entice thee with words, for these do seek thine undoing.
25 Thy way leadeth over stony ground, and to go back, it is the manner of a coward.
26 For whosoever setteth his hand to the plow, he shall not turn back; and he that finisheth a furrow, he hath not plowed the field.
27 What man gathereth him the blossom of the apple tree? Rather doth he wait until the fruit cometh, big and full of juice; then doth he eat of it.
28 Avoid thou them that seek to divide the people, one against the other, for they are traitors in the land.
29 Turn not away from instruction, O my son, but open thine ears full wide, for wisdom maketh a fair mistress and she is youthful for all time.
30 And he that followeth after her, his life shall be well ordered and his affairs shall fall out just so.
31 Thou shalt rule thy comings in and thy goings out according to circumstance, so that nothing ariseth amiss; for a thirst that is born at a proper time, it maketh the publican smile; but a thirst that cometh late is an affliction unto him that hath it.
32 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.