AN ANCIENT DOCUMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1097, 17 September 1912, Page 2

AN ANCIENT DOCUMENT.

[By Dug Up.J CHAPTER HI

Flow, it came to pass in those days that the vacancy on the Council caused by the retirement of the High Chief Ruler and the elevation o f him who dwelt on the hilltop, did create much exercise of the minds of the people in Foxtonius. And there were divisions . among the people. Some said, give unto us a man who possesses little of this world’s goods, so that he may look to the wants of those who have not footways, neither water or drainage, and whose voice will be heard like unto the voice of the weka, for the removal of the burdens from the shoulders of the Labourites, And the Labourites did assemble themselves at the water side. Then spake one burly of frame but unskilled in the gentle arts. His eyes were not the eyes of the farseer, and his tongue wagged only according to the measure of the food he did eat, and his counsels were after the kind of the Red Feds. He did counsel his fellows and the Labourites did make final choice of one small of statue, and a drawer of nets, who was surnamed Flounder Jackius Hannibus, the companion of Georgius Tozerus, the owner of many cows S which strayed on the roads. And the leaders of the Labourites said, let us work by stealth and let our wives and sons and daughters come forth on the day appointed for the election and with one united shout acclaim little Jackius of the tribe of the Labourites the chosen of the people to fill the vacancy on the Council of the Rulers, And it was so. Now, another faction of the people did make choice of Clarisibus, of the tribe of the Levinites and well skilled in the driving of ships and of knowledge in the government of the people. But his followers were slothful, and his captains did not go in and out among the people. And when the day arrived for the selection of one of the twain, little Jackius was adorued in his best robes near the meeting place, and he put on his big smile, like unto the smile that lit his countenance when his nets were well filled. And a voice called for Clarisibus, but, 10, he moved not among the people. Then was the chariot of Alexis Speribus sent out to gather the people together, but they could not distinguish the difference between little Jackius’ followers and those of Clarisibus. And, 10, much confusion was caused thereby. And it came to pass that many people were assembled at the appointed place to make choice. Then did Alpheus, the faithful scribe, he of the stern visage and twisted moustache on the upper lip with ends like unto spear points, of great penetrating force, with which he was wont to use in times past as a weapon of defence against his enemies. He it was who levied the taxes and brought defaulters to the court of justice. And he was held in great fear by evil does, against whom he had no bowels of compassion. Also did Alpheus govern the temple of pleasure, with much profit to the people. And, 10, he was a faithful servant. Being short of stature, he climbed to a pinnacle of the temple that he might be seen and heard of the people. Thus he opened his mouth and spake :“0 ye people of the ancient city of Foxtomus, choose ye whom you will have to serve you in the place of he who has been elevated to the seat of the Chief Ruler. Those who favour Flounder Jackius Haul bus. the drawer of nets, will shout with a loud voice ‘Bah!’ and those who prefer citizen Clarisibus will likewise shout ‘Yah !’ and those whose voices are the greater shall it be to them even as they will.” At a signal a great noise did rend the air, and the shouters of ‘‘Bah 1” did prevail against the shouters of “Yah!” And so it came to pass that little Jackius was the chosen one. Then did Alpheus cry out against those slothful citizens who did not assemble themselves together to make choice. Then was Jackius declared the chosen of the people by Alpheus, and was welcomed to the Council of the Rulers. But peace aid not reign among the chosen of the people, and murmurings were heard in the Council ot the Rulers. Georgius, of the Garden of Edenus, did wax wroth against Alexis because Alexis did issue small darts which penetrated the tender skin of Georgius the healer. The sending forth of Alexis’ small darts were ol no concern to the government of the people, but Georgius was sore smitten.

Here endeth the third lesson. [Chapter IV. will appear in our next.].