ARTEMAS
THE SECOND BOOK
Concerning men, and the things
that men did do, at the time when
there was war
NEW YORK
GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY
COPYRIGHT, 1918,
BY GEORGE H. DORAN COMPANY
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
UNTO
EVE
THE SECOND BOOK OF ARTEMAS
CHAPTER I.
1 Artemas writeth again. 3 Concerning a journey. 7 And the things that he did learn. 13 One confesseth a secret. 17 And imparteth it. 20 His mendacity condemneth him. 22 The scribe revealeth himself.
The words of Artemas of the scribes that were in Lon in the land of En, being those words that he did write him also;
2 Of the things that were and of the things that were to be: concerning men and the things that men did do.
3 ¶ Now it came to pass on an occasion that I, being Artemas, the scribe, did journey in a certain carriage unto the city of Lon.
4 And it was a carriage that was full of a multitude, such being the wont in those days, so that I did perforce stand me up on my feet.
5 And, behold, there was a man; and he did sit upon my right hand. And there was another man also; and he did sit upon my left hand.
6 And they did hold speech, the one with the other. Yea, even as I stood up between them did they speak familiarly across me.
7 ¶ Wherefore I did learn many things concerning them, and concerning the course of the war, and concerning the rulers of the land,
8 And concerning the wives of the rulers and their children also, and concerning the money that they were possessed of, and concerning their wickedness in secret places.
9 And after I had heard many things that amazed me mightily, then he that was upon my left hand, he did speak unto the other,
10 And he did say unto him, What thinkest thou concerning the Book that is of Artemas?
11 And he that was upon my right hand, he did wriggle him about in strange ways.
12 And after that he was wriggled about sufficiently, then did he make answer and he did say,
13 ¶ Speak not unto me concerning that Book, for I have a reason. Also, it is a secret.
14 And I did ope mine ears full wide for to hear, notwithstanding that he was that manner of man that expoundeth nought save only the things that be secret.
15 And he did say unto his friend, Nevertheless, because thou hast an open countenance and art, moreover, that man whom my soul loveth,
16 Therefore dost thou prevail upon me to impart unto thee that which thou shalt tell unto no man.
17 ¶ For I, even I, am he that did write the Book that is of Artemas.
18 Yea, notwithstanding that thou knowest me only as one that vendeth choice meats, nevertheless I did write me also that Book which is inscribed unto Eve.
19 And perchance I shall write me another book also if, so be it, I am spared and it pleaseth me so to do.
20 ¶ And after I had heard the things that he did say, then did I know him for a liar.
21 For he was a man that was garbed in the raiment of peace, but he that men call Artemas, is he not one of the host of En?
22 ¶ Verily, it is even so, or otherwise. But which of him be him, what man shall say anything to the contrary?
CHAPTER II.
2 Concerning David. 9 Concerning Simon. 12 Concerning Horatio. 17 Concerning Frances. 22 Concerning Lazz. 24 Concerning Reding. 27 Concerning Lanz.
Now these be the names and these the manner of men; and as it is writ about them, so also is it.
2 ¶ There was David, that was the chief ruler over all the land. And he continued in the way that he was going, gaining favour with the people continually, and filling the minds of them that hated him with bitter envy.
3 Verily, he became more so than ever before, and whatsoever there was to be done, that thing of a surety he would do. Neither was there any occasion when he was found wanting.
4 Wherefore it came to pass that those who ruled with him, after that they had got them into an hole, then they did come unto David for to raise them up again; and always he did do it.
5 And when the hearts of the men of En grew heavy within them because of the soreness of their lot, which was an hard lot, being full of trials,
6 Then would he open his mouth full wide and he would speak. And the words that he did utter, they poured forth in a fiery stream that did set the hearts of the people aflame.
7 Wherefore his enemies, they did gnash their teeth in secret, being consumed with the violence of their rage. And they did conspire together for to do him hurt; yea, his greatness, it did fret them beyond endurance.
8 Nevertheless, there was none other amongst them that did come up unto David, that ruled at a time of trouble such as never before was known in all the world.
9 ¶ Now Simon was that man who had erstwhile been a thorn in the flesh of the rulers because he did abominate the war, nor comprehend that it was requisite. Wherefore there were many that did call him Simple.
10 But after that he had perceived things, and the men of Hu, he had seen that which was in their minds, then did he gird on his armour and he did go out for to fight. For the lust of blood, it was entered into his bones.
11 Moreover, he did take a damsel unto him to wife.
12 ¶ Now Horatio, being the scribe of the new apocrypha, he refrained not from writing concerning Horatio, and concerning the things that Horatio, he would do.
13 And on an occasion he spake unto the people in a loud voice, saying unto them, Hearken unto my voice, ye men of En, and pay heed to the words of my mouth. For who shall be keeper of the victuals? And who the chief larderer of En?
14 Verily, there is such a man that be fit for to undertake it. And the name of the man, behold, it is Horatio!
15 And when the people had heard the things that he did say, they began to observe him closely. And they perceived that though he was given over to fatness, yet had he also an hungry eye.
16 Wherefore they made him not the chief larderer of En, neither did they choose him for to be the keeper of the victuals; for they were a crafty lot, and the size of his stomach, it was against him.
17 ¶ Now Frances, that was surnamed Loid, he was the chief of all the soldiers that were in Lon.
18 And he was for ever making him ordinances so that the fighters that were in Lon, they should know the things that they should do.
19 And on a time he did stand forth in the presence of the people, and he cried out in a loud voice, saying unto them, Why speak ye concerning my soldiers, that they be boys?
20 Know ye not that they be men, full grown and vigorous. Also, they do acquit themselves valiantly in the face of the enemy, so that all the world, it is amazed at their prowess. And he upbraided them soundly because of it.
21 Wherefore many condemned him for a fool, because he understood not that which was in the people's hearts nor perceived the meaning of the word.
22 ¶ And there was a certain man, and his name, it was Lazz. And he was one of them that was born of the enemy.
23 And because he did have friends in an high place, therefore, whatsoever he did do, that thing, it was judged in secret. Nevertheless, the judges, they did put him away.
24 ¶ Now, he that was the chief judge in the land of En, his name, it was Reding.
25 And he was one of the children of Israel, a man of honour, and of good repute throughout all the land. Also, he was a man that did follow after wisdom, having a full head and abhorring the ways of the foolish.
26 Nevertheless, the rulers did send him to uphold the dignity of En amongst the men of Amer; whereat many wondered, because he was a most fit man.
27 ¶ And there was a certain man, being of the nobles of the land, and his name it was Lanz.
28 And on an occasion he did hold forth concerning peace and concerning the blessings thereof. Wherefore there were some that said, Behold, he is possessed of a bolo.
29 And although he perceived that men, they understood him not, nevertheless he did hold forth again; and his folly was a bye-word in the land.
CHAPTER III.
1 Concerning Ronda. 6 Concerning Yapp. 7 Concerning Smuts. 9 Concerning Barnz. 16 Concerning Rep.
Now he that was chosen for to keep the food of the people, and to be the chief larderer in the land, his name, it was Ronda.
2 And the path of this man, it was beset with obstacles; and it did lie between the devil, that was the sellers of victuals, and the deep sea, that was the people.
3 And he did have dominion over the birds of the air, and over the beasts of the field, and over the fishes that were in the sea.
4 And at a word from his mouth, all the rabbits that were in the land, they did vanish out of sight; neither were they seen any more of man.
5 Nevertheless, though some did curse him openly, yet did he do that which was appointed unto him.
6 ¶ Now he that was an help unto Ronda, his name, it was Yapp. And he was a man that did buy him pig in small pieces; neither did he get him the half of a swine, save only over a long time and in fragments.
7 ¶ Now there was a certain great captain, and his name, it was Smuts. And he did come from afar off for to counsel the fighters of En.
8 And notwithstanding that his name, it was what it was, nevertheless he was a power in the land; and his words, they were sold for the price of four farthings.
9 ¶ Now, there was another man, also, and his name, it was Barnz. And notwithstanding that he was a man of labour, nevertheless, his seat was amongst the rulers of the land.
10 And he spake unto the people in a speech, and he said unto them, Who is Winston and who is he? Verily, he is that man who hath butted him in, and he hath wrought mischief throughout all the land, because of what he hath done.
11 And after he had finished speaking, behold, a clamour arose amongst all the people, and they cried out against Winston, because he had butted him in.
12 And when Barnz saw how it was with the people, and that Winston, also, he was swollen up with the anger that was in him, then did he speak unto the people again, fearing lest they had not heard him aright.
13 And he spake unto them in these words, saying, What I did mean or what I did ought to have meant, it was another thing.
14 Wherefore, understand ye all that Winston, he did not butt him in alone. For I, even I, that be Barnz, the man of labour, I also did butt me in with him. Also, and moreover, we did butt us in together.
15 And at that time, there was no butter, save only these, in all the land of En.
16 ¶ Now there was a certain man, and his name, it was Rep: and his pen, it was mightier than his sword.
17 And he did remove himself from the camp of the Amalekites and did pitch his tent amongst the children of Moab.
18 And when he was arrived in the land of Moab, he straightway sat himself down on a seat, and he did spread him out for to write.
19 Yea, he did write even such things and such things; and things also in likewise, these did he write him as well.
20 And he did rend the Amalekites with words, and the rulers of the land did he chastise most hotly; with the quill of a goose did he smite them, nor spared he any one of them at all.
21 Wherefore all those that heeded him, they did tear their clothes in the violence of their perturbation. And they did put on sackcloth and ashes, and their faces they did smear with mud, crying out in a loud voice, and saying,
22 Now is the end of all things, and now the end of En. Verily, we are thrown in the dust at the feet of our enemies, for the rulers are turned against us.
23 And they do conspire with the Amalekites for to bring about our undoing. Yea, the end of all things, it is close at hand.
24 And because they were amongst the false prophets, therefore was it not so. And, notwithstanding that Rep, he did write him thus darkly, nevertheless the people, they did get them on with the war.
25 But Rep, because he did write concerning secret matters, he paid for his temerity in an hundred pieces of gold, all good money and very precious.
CHAPTER IV
1 Willi vexeth the men of Amer. 6 Wudro warneth Willi. 10 Who taketh counsel of his chief captains. 17 And continueth in his evil ways. 21 The men of Amer make them war. 23 Willi derideth them publicly. 28 Wudro getteth him on with it. 36 And the voice of peace is heard over the waters.
Now there was great vexation of spirit amongst the men of Amer, for the servants of Willi, the king of Hu, they conspired together and they did sink the ships of Amer in the sea.
2 And whensoever a man of Amer did perish because of it, then did Willi write him an epistle concerning the matter.
3 And the grief that was writ upon the paper, behold, it was very beautiful; but the manner of atonement, it was only in talents of gold.
4 And he did seal the epistle with a seal; and, lo! it was made in the shape of a tear.
5 Now the longest rope, it hath an end. Wherefore it came to pass in time that Wudro, the son of Wyl, being he that did rule in Amer, he sent messengers unto Willi, saying unto him,
6 ¶ Such things and such things hast thou done, all these being against thy plighted word; and thine iniquity, it hath tormented me for a long time past.
7 Now, therefore, hearken unto me, and pay attention to my words.
8 Because I am a man of peace, therefore have I borne with thee long enough; and I am become sick unto death with thy naughtiness. And the blood of my murdered people, it crieth aloud for retribution.
9 Take heed, therefore, and mend the evil of thy ways, for, on the next occasion, assuredly shalt thou rue the day.
10 ¶ And when Willi had heard the things that Wudro, the son of Wyl, did say unto him, he sent in haste unto his chief captains, and he did commune with them.
11 And he questioned them closely concerning the words of Wudro. And he said unto them, Think ye that this man, he meaneth anything?
12 And they made answer unto him, saying, Be of good cheer, and heed him not, for he is a man that acteth only according to his advantage.
13 And the land of Amer, it prospereth exceedingly; neither doth the miller turn away the stream which worketh his wheel.
14 Also, he liveth afar off, and his servants, they are unready. Verily, the threats of such an one, they be full of emptiness; and whatsoever he sayeth, that hath he also said before.
15 Nevertheless, when the time cometh, then will we smite him because of it.
16 And after they were finished speaking, the heart of Willi was rejoiced and his soul was filled with courage.
17 ¶ And he spake unto them in these words, saying, Assuredly are ye men after mine own understanding. Let us, therefore, see about it. And they did see about it.
18 And when word was brought unto Wudro concerning it, and how Willi made mock of his threats, then waxed he very wroth.
19 And he cried out in the violence of his anger, saying, Am I, then, Job, that be born again, to be tormented thus?
20 And he straightway called the people together, and he told them all the things that Willi had done.
21 ¶ And he said unto them, Is it, therefore, a matter for war? And they answered him with a mighty shout, saying, It is a matter for war.
22 And when Willi heard what was come to pass, he was amazed, and his knees, they did tremble beneath him.
23 ¶ Nevertheless, he commanded his servants that they should bring unto him the brazen mask, being part of the royal attire.
24 And when it was brought unto him, he did hide the light of his countenance behind it. And he raised his voice on high, and he spake, saying,
25 What of the land of Amer? And what of it? Verily, a pin that lieth in the way, it is of more account than a spike that lifteth its head at a distance.
26 Even so, the iron heel of Hu, it levelleth all things; neither shall any man presume to withstand it.
27 And after he was finished speaking, he sent out messengers unto the four corners of the earth, instructing them that they should tell these things unto all peoples.
28 ¶ Now Wudro, the son of Wyl, after that he had made him war, he cried not out from the housetops concerning the things he would do, but he gat him about for to do them.
29 And he opened wide the strings of his purse, so that the shekels, they gushed forth as the waters of a brook after rain. Neither was he backward in the matter of food, making due provision in all things.
30 And he sent much munition of war unto them that were with him, and he commanded his physicians that they should go out for to succour the wounded.
31 And he did send his vessels of war also, which were useful things and ready for the fray. And of men that did fly in the air, he did send of these a goodly band, and valiant.
32 And he built him a mighty army, all picked men of the best in the land; and he sent them unto the land of Eur for to fight against the men of Hu.
33 And he rested him not, neither by day nor by night did he rest him, but he was for ever at it, doing all those things that were requisite and necessary unto the undertaking.
34 And when word was brought unto Willi that Wudro, he had taken the coat from off his back, and that he laboured without respite, then grew he sore afraid.
35 And he called his counsellors unto him, and he spake unto them in these words, saying, Is there no one now amongst all the men of peace that will raise his voice against this bloody war?
36 ¶ And, lo! straightway, there was a voice, and it spake concerning peace. And it was blown along by the wind, even unto the land of Amer was it blown.
37 And when it was come unto the ears of Wudro, that was the son of Wyl, he made answer unto it, and he did say, Verily, it hath a goodly sound.
38 Nevertheless, this peace, it shall not come to pass; for the King of Hu, he hath a lying tongue, and his plighted word, hath he not broken it before?
39 And because he is what he is, therefore shall the compact of peace be made only with that man which he is not.
40 And the words of Wudro, they were blown along by the wind, even back from the land of Amer were they blown on the wings of the wind.
CHAPTER V.
1 Concerning the land of Russ. 4 The dividing up of it. 6 Confusion ariseth. 10 All men are equal. 11 Concerning Tino, the King of the Greeks. 16 Jon smiteth him. 10 He getteth him thence. 22 Willi speaketh unto the nations. 24 His lamentation in secret.
Now it came to pass in the land of Russ that all the people cried out against the king because of his tyranny.
2 And they did come upon him suddenly, and they did take him. And they cast him into prison, so that he no longer ruled over them.
3 And they straightway set about it for to make all men equal throughout the land. Yea, rich and poor, the wise man and the fool, the workers and the sluggards, the good men and the evil. All these did they strive to make equal together.
4 ¶ And they did divide the land into pieces, being a piece unto each one of them. And the money that was in the treasury, that also did they share amongst them.
5 Nevertheless, there were some, being the nimble ones, that did profit by it exceedingly. And every man's hand, it was turned against his neighbour, for they feared very dreadfully lest he had too much.
6 ¶ And a legion of devils broke loose amongst the people, and they did contend together concerning the equal division of power, so that it was a time of confusion, no man knowing what he would get of it.
7 Verily, it was like unto a cauldron of boiling broth wherein the meat cometh up according to the seething of it; and whosoever did clutch at a piece, he adventured to find it too hot.
8 And some did make peace, and some did make war; and some did borrow money, but none did repay it unto the lenders.
9 And every man in the land, he was equal unto his fellows; and more so was it so with them that did rightly choose the leader to be over them.
10 ¶ Yea, the wise of an high estate, they were brought down very low; and the foolish of low degree, they were lifted up higher than these.
11 ¶ Now there was one amongst the kings of Eur, and his name, it was Tino, the king of the Greeks. And Sophia, that was sister unto Willi, the king of Hu, she had taken him to husband. Yea, verily, she had taken him.
12 And Tino was a crafty man and artful. And whensoever he did speak, behold, there was oil upon his words, so that afterwards he could slide them both this way and also that way, as did him most advantage.
13 Verily, he was as full of lies as the hide of a dog is full of fleas; and he was for ever scheming for to hurt the people of En.
14 And after he had continued in his evil ways for a long time, then did all the peoples that were joined together against the men of Hu cry out in a loud voice, saying with one accord, Is there no one amongst all our brethren that will rid us of this turbulent beast?
15 And there was one, amongst them, a certain man, and his name, it was Jon. And he straightway set sail in a boat, and on the third day he came to Athens.
16 ¶ And after he was arrived there, he did make his way into the presence of Tino, that was the king, and he did smite him one.
17 Yea, he lifted up his foot against him, and did catch him with a lusty stroke.
18 And he commanded his servants that they should bring him a caravan for to carry Tino thence. And Sophia did he put into it also, and Tino's oxen, and his ass, and everything that was his.
19 ¶ And after it was ready, then did Tino get him thence. And he departed into a far country, even unto that place where his caravan now resteth.
20 And he did leave his second born for to rule in his stead, thinking in his heart, This one, he shall keep warm the seat for me.
21 Now when word was brought unto Willi concerning Tino, that was his brother, and concerning all the things that had happened unto him, then waxed he very wroth.
22 ¶ And he spake unto all the nations of the earth, crying out in a loud voice, and saying, Who shall lay hands on the king? And who lay hands on the Lord's anointed?
23 Verily, the time draweth nigh when I will vanquish mine enemies utterly, and Tino, he shall go up again unto that place from whence he hath come down.
24 ¶ And after he had spoken these words unto all the nations of the earth, then did he repair unto the secret chamber of his palace. And he called unto him certain of his servants; and Mud, that was his son, him also did he call unto him.
25 And he put on sackcloth and ashes and did raise his voice in lamentation over Tino, and over Sophia, that was his wife, saying, How are the mighty fallen, and those of an high estate cast down from their high places!
26 I am disturbed because of thee, my Tino, for thou wert more unto me than a brother. Very pleasant hast thou been unto me, and wonderful thy ways towards me.
27 Thine heart, it was deeper than water, and thy tongue as subtil as the smile of a woman that knoweth.
28 The ball of thine eye was a full moon that ripeneth corn, and thy teeth stood out like sentinels of ivory without the gate of Paradise.
29 Thou hast fallen very low, my Tino; very low hast thou fallen indeed, for thou liest with thy face in the dust, neither is there any help in thee.
30 How are the mighty fallen, and those of an high estate cast down from their high places!
CHAPTER VI.
1 The rulers send unto Artemas. 4 He seeketh the Lord High Physician. 22 And findeth him. 23 One carrieth a multitude of papers. 27 A man of fat hoppeth wonderfully. 31 The scribe performeth also. 37 Wherefore he is sent away.
Now it came to pass that the rulers sent word unto me, saying, Stand forth, and show thyself unto a physician, for we have need of thee to smite the men of Hu.
2 And I rose up from my bed and anointed myself with sweet oil and did shave the hair from off my face with a razor.
3 And I did don my richest apparel and did put in the pocket of it a brush for the teeth, fearing lest they should straightway send me into battle, and mine habitation, I should see it no more.
41 ¶ And after I was made ready, I did hie me unto the place appointed.
5 Now when I was come there, I saw a man; and he was one of the fighters of En, being also a scribe.
6 And I drew nigh unto him, and I did salute him saying, Peace be unto thee, brother, and peace be upon thy father's house. Nevertheless, he heeded me not, but did continue in the task that he was doing.
7 And after he had writ all that which he was minded to write, and more also, then lifted he his eyes towards me. And he spake unto me in a voice of thunder, saying, Wots-yer nime?
8 And because the language that he spake, it was strange unto mine ear, and because the look upon his face, it was terrible, therefore did I seek for to pacify him.
9 And I said unto him, Whatsoever thou hast said, verily, it is so; and who be I to gainsay thee? But what be the meaning of it, that indeed I know not.
10 Now there was one that came after me, a young man, benign of countenance; and he did understand the meaning of it, and he interpreted it unto me,
11 So I made answer, and I said unto him that asked, Behold I am a citizen of Lon, a poor scribe, and my name, it is Artemas.
12 Wherefore he did write down Artemus. And after he had written it so, he spake unto me again, saying, Get thee to the physician, that we may know what manner of man thou art. And I gat me thence.
13 And I came unto a certain place, where four winds did meet. And I did take up my stand in that corner of it that was most draughty; and I did wait.
14 And after I was become hardened by the length of my vigil, then did the Lord High Physician send out an herald.
15 And he stood upon the step of the house wherein the physician was hid, and he called out in a loud voice, saying, Artemus.
16 And the eyes of them that were round about, they did look on me with envy; and there was hate in their hearts also because I was summoned for to go up before them.
17 And when I was come within the house, behold, there was a man, and he commanded me that I should take off my raiment, that was also my richest apparel. Yea, whatsoever I did have on, that did he command me to take off.
18 And the mandate troubled me greatly, for I was a young man and loth to reveal my loveliness before all the world.
19 And because I was backward in setting about it, therefore did he hearten me with words; yea, he did bid me that I should get me a move on.
20 And I did get me a move on; but all else I did get me off.
21 And when I was become naked enough, then did he measure the height of my stature, and what it was. And I was weighed in the balance, also, and found wanting. And afterwards he did take me unto the Lord High Physician.
22 ¶ And there were others in that room, being in like straits to myself. And each of us did eye his fellows with a great contempt, for, verily, we were a sorry lot, and strangely made.
23 ¶ Now he that went up before me, he did carry in his hand a multitude of papers. And he spake unto the Lord High Physician, and he said unto him, Behold, I am sick unto death.
24 And after the Lord High Physician had taken stock of him, and after he had read that which was writ upon the papers, then spake he unto the young man, and he said,
25 It seemeth unto me that thou art a vigorous youth and hefty. But if, peradventure, thou art sick unto death, what matter the means to thy end? And he did send him forth.
26 And the young man was amazed, for he had paid one hundred talents of gold for that which was writ upon the papers, being assured that he might work the matter by force of their numbers.
27 ¶ And after him there stood forth another. And he was a man given over to fatness, so that even in his resting moments he was continually out of breath.
28 And the Lord High Physician spake unto him in these words, saying, Stand thou upon thy right leg, and hop; and he did hop.
29 And the Lord High Physician spake unto him again, saying, Stand thou now upon thy left leg, and hop; and he did hop upon his left leg also.
30 And, behold, his stomach, it did shake before him, for it was of a size, and loose withal. Wherefore, the hopping of him, it was a matter of delight.
31 ¶ And after it was finished, then did the Lord High Physician command me to stand forth; and I did stand forth.
32 And when he had seen me, what I was, he said unto the scribe that attended him, Verily, this man's nakedness becometh him ill, and his body, it lacketh meat. So let it be recorded of him.
33 And he spake unto me again, saying, Read now the symbols that thou seest before thee. And because they were beyond the sight of mine eye, therefore spake he unto the scribe again, saying unto him, Verily, the fool hath not even eyes to see. So let it be recorded of him.
34 And he did smite me upon the chest, and he ordered me to say unto him, Ninety-nine.
35 And he did smite me upon the stomach, being in a tender place, and on the top of the back did he smite me also.
36 And he commanded me that I should perform the hop; and I did perform it. And I did do other things also, and did disport myself about the floor. And the eyes of the man of fat, they were filled with satisfaction.
37 ¶ And after the Lord High Physician, he had marked me for what I was, he called a servant unto him, and he commanded him, saying, Take thou this man out of my sight. And I departed out of his sight for ever.
38 And I returned unto mine habitation, taking also the brush for the teeth that I had brought away.
39 Neither did the rulers send unto me again, for what I was, it was writ upon the records, and what I was, behold, it was enough.
CHAPTER VII.
1 Concerning the peace-mongers. 8 Willi speaketh concerning peace. 10 And expoundeth the meaning of the word. 15 Artemas beholdeth a vision. 21 Wherein David slayeth his thousands. 26 And meeteth with Willi and Mud.
Now there were certain men in the land of En, and their talk was for ever concerning peace.
2 And the manner of its attainment, this considered they not at all; neither did they concern themselves with the price to be paid for the blessings of it.
3 And though they were few in number, nevertheless, they were loud of voice; and a man that shouteth out, he is heard above a thousand that be silent.
4 And there was no reason in them, nor any words in their mouths save only, Peace, peace, peace.
5 And if one said unto them, Will ye crave peace of a tyrant? Then would they make answer, and they would say, Give us only peace.
6 And whosoever questioned them, saying, How long this peace, and in what manner shall it be assured? And would ye that our sons be dead in a lost cause? To him would they make answer, and they would say, Give us only peace.
7 And because there was no other word ready unto their tongues, therefore some called them Boloscheviks, and some did call them mad; but many did call them merely traitors.
8 ¶ Now, when Willi, that was the king of Hu, did speak concerning peace, a certain man that was of Amer, he approached unto him, and he questioned him, saying, Explain me now this peace, and expound its meaning unto me.
9 And tell me also, I beseech thee, what things be requisite of thine enemies that peace may come unto all peoples?
10 ¶ And Willi did expound the meaning of the word, even as the man of Amer did beseech him. And he spake unto him in these words, saying,
11 This and that also shall our enemies perform. And they shall return unto us all those lands which they have taken away; and we will behave in like manner unto them, keeping only whatsoever seemeth good unto us.
12 And there shall be a making right of the boundaries that do separate us from our neighbours; peradventure, they shall lose a little in the doing of it.
13 And the might of the Most High Lord of War, it shall be acclaimed of all the world; and afterwards there shall be peace.
14 And the man of Amer, he spake unto Willi, and he said unto him, Verily, the peace, concerning which thou hast spoken unto me, it is indeed the peace that passeth understanding.
15 ¶ Now it fell out on a time, that I, being Artemas, the scribe, did fall into a deep sleep. And whilst I slumbered, lo! a vision came unto me in a dream, and I beheld things.
16 And I saw a river that was wide; and the beginning and the end of it, they did reach beyond man's sight.
17 And on one side of the river, it was War; and on the other side of the river, it was Peace.
18 And, even as I looked, there came one David, a man of Cam, and chief amongst the rulers in the land of En.
19 And in his right hand he did carry a flaming sword; and in his left hand he did carry a picture of the man Winston. And he took up his stand at the crossing over of the river.
20 And it came to pass that the hosts of Hu drew nigh, fleeing before the swords of their adversaries. And they came unto the crossing over of the river.
21 ¶ And David said unto him that was first, Whither goest thou? And he replied unto him, saying, I go unto the Land of Peace. Suffer me, I beseech thee, that I may pass over.
22 And David cast an eye upon him. And he said unto him, Say now, therefore, Best oration. And, behold, he could not frame to pronounce it right, for the word, it was a stranger in his mouth.
23 But he spake as one afflicted of his speech, and did stutter most abominably.
24 And David took him; and he lifted high the flaming sword and slew him at the crossing over of the river.
25 And so it was with all that came up thither, because they could not frame to pronounce it right; wherefore many perished on that day.
26 ¶ And when David had made an end of all of them, a noise of trembling arose. And I did see Willi, that was the king of Hu.
27 And Mud, that was his son, behold, he was with him; and they were hid amongst the rushes of the river.
28 And when David saw them, he beckoned with his finger, saying unto them, Come hither, ye laggards, and ye that are hanging behind. Come, for this is the passage to Peace. Nevertheless they came not unto him.
29 And when he perceived that they came not unto him, then did he take off his garments from about him, and he descended unto them in all his awfulness.
30 And in his right hand he did carry the flaming sword; and in his left hand he did carry a picture of the man Winston.
31 And when he was come amongst them, he did raise up the flaming sword on high, and he said unto them, Say now, therefore, Restoration.
32 And on the instant I did wake, and my dream, it was flown away. Neither was it vouchsafed unto me again for to see the end of the vision.
CHAPTER VIII.
1 Sundry happenings in En. 5 The women are full of foreboding. 10 Concerning the Flag Days. 14 The men cry aloud. 18 And are succoured. 20 Concerning lotteries. 29 Much money is brought by the people. 30 Wherefore the rulers awaken.
Now these things happened in the land of En, and these are the things that did come to pass.
2 And howsoever a matter fell out, then did men say, Verily, it is so because of the war.
3 Yet, it was a reason for all the things that were left undone; and the things that were done, these also it did fully justify.
4 Wherefore many waxed uneasy, fearing how it would be for them when the war, it should be over.
5 ¶ Now the women of the land, they were full of foreboding, knowing not when their garments, they might be taken from them.
6 And they did make pretence, the one unto the other, concerning their purple and concerning their fine linen also.
7 And they would speak in this wise, saying, Dost thou perceive the poverty of mine apparel, and how frugal I am become in the matter of it?
8 Therefore do I wear these poor rags that thou seest, having none others, save only some. And they would shed a few tears for the hardness of their lot.
9 Nevertheless, the vendors of apparel did flourish in that day; neither did the women of the land go naked before the world.
10 ¶ Now the days that men called Flag Days, they did grow in number beyond all computation.
11 And the sellers of flags, they did infest every place, so that to escape from them, it was beyond the power of man.
12 And whensoever a man did venture forth from his habitation on a day that was a flag day, assuredly, that man, he was lost.
13 And the damsels and the old women also, they would follow after him, and they would ensnare him by the way.
14 ¶ Wherefore all the men lifted up their voices unto heaven, and they cried aloud in their distress. And the rulers heard them.
15 And they sent unto the sellers of flags, even unto the damsels and unto the old women did they send, and they said unto them,
16 Forasmuch as ye have harried the men of the land beyond all reason, and the fighters that were come home, ye have driven them back into battle;
17 And because ye have followed after them, having no pity in your hearts, therefore shall ye pursue them no more.
18 ¶ But whatsoever place shall be appointed unto you, there shall ye continue. Verily, ye shall be even as pillars of salt, and shall stand still. Neither shall ye remove yourselves out of that very place.
19 And after the rulers had spoken, it came to pass that a little rest was vouchsafed unto the men; but the damsels, and the old women also, they were sad and sore at heart.
20 ¶ Now because there was need of money for to buy the munitions of war, and because it was necessary for other things also, therefore did the rulers set them about for to get it.
21 And there were certain men and they said, Let us now make us a lottery, and let there be a prize to it also.
22 Peradventure the people will bring them a mighty weight of money for the hazard, and the treasury, it will become full up and flowing over.
23 And though every man did agree that it was so, nevertheless, the rulers, they dared not to do it.
24 For they feared the Pharisees that did speak in their tabernacles against it. And the Pharisees at that time, they were a power in the land of En.
25 Nevertheless, it did come to pass in otherwise. For there were two bazaars in the city of Lon; and the one was of Har, and the other, it was of Sel.
26 And they set them up counters that the people might bring them money for to lend it unto the rulers; also, they made them a lottery of it.
27 And when the matter of their design, it was noised abroad, and that they did scheme to make them a lottery of it.
28 Then all the people hied them thither with one accord, and they did lend them money unto the rulers with a very ready hand.
29 ¶ And after it was all counted up, behold, the sum of it was very great, passing all belief.
30 ¶ But when the rulers heard about it, they sent word unto the bazaars, commanding them that they should do this thing no more.
31 Nevertheless, they forbad not the hazard in a race, which profiteth only a few.
32 Yet were they loth to suffer a lottery, that was made to advantage the course of the war.
CHAPTER IX.
1 Concerning food. 4 The people do wait in a line. 11 And seek the truth. 13 An old man lacketh butter. 17 He getteth all else. 18 Concerning the cards. 24 Certain of the people do hoard. 26 They pay the penalty. 27 The prudent man and the woman that had no sugar.
Now there came a time when there was no more food in En save only enough for to feed the people.
2 And the gluttons of the land cried out in their vexation, because they glutted them no more.
3 And it became a custom amongst the people that they should hie them unto the bazaar for to wait without the portal of it.
4 ¶ And they would gather themselves together in a line hoping that, perchance, a little meat would be vouchsafed unto them.
5 And they did complain loudly amongst themselves and did make their faces of a length; and they cursed the rulers shamefully.
6 Yea, there were many that forgot it was a time of war, for their minds were not on it, being gone down into their stomachs.
7 Now it fell out on a night that I pursued my way along an highway in the city of Lon.
8 And, behold, there was a multitude of people, being in a line, and it reached unto a long way off.
9 And I perceived that they were a merry lot and full of mirth. Yea, they were like unto none of them that I had seen before.
10 And I drew nigh unto them, for I was amazed. And I sought to inquire what manner of victuals it was that did put them in the humour.
11 ¶ And when I was come near enough, then did I see the name of it and what it was, and behold, that which they waited for, it was Nothing but the Truth.
12 And so it was in the land, that to buy of laughter, they grudged them not the waiting; but to get them a morsel of food, that was a matter in other wise.
13 ¶ Now there was a certain man, and he was an old man and full of cunning; and his stomach, it did trouble him for a little butter.
14 Wherefore he writ him a list, and he did put down all the things that he needed not; and in the midmost part of it, he put down also a little butter.
15 And after it was writ, he sent it unto the bazaar, hoping by this means to get him that for which his soul did crave; and he prayed without ceasing all that night.