bitter hatred, and, third, by a
tremendous amount of misdirected energy.

"Look, for instance, at the Hot Swamp. Before the late war it was the
abode of a happy and prosperous population. Now, it is a desolation.
Hundreds of its youth are in premature graves, and nothing whatever has
been gained from it by your father that I can see."

"But surely men must defend themselves and their women and children
against foes?" said Bladud.

"Verily, I did not say they should not," replied Beniah. "Self-defence
is a duty; aggressive war, in most cases (I do not say in all), is a
blunder or a sin."

"I think that my mind runs much on the same line with yours, Beniah, as
to these things, but I am pretty sure that a good many years will pass
over us before the warriors of the present day will see things in this
light."

One is apt to smile at Bladud's prophetic observation, when one reflects
that about two thousand seven hundred years have elapsed since that day,
and warriors, as well as many civilians, have not managed to see it in
this light yet!

"However," continued the prince, "the scheme which runs in my head is
not one of war--aggressive or defensive--but one of peace, for the
betterment of all mankind. As you know, I have begun to build a city at
the Hot Swamp, so that all who are sick may go to that beautiful country
and find health, as I did. And I want your help in this scheme."

"That is well, prince, but I see not how I can aid you. I am not an
engineer, who could carry out your devices, nor an architect who could
plan your dwellings. And I am too old for manual labour--though, of
course, it is not for that you want me."

"You are right, Beniah. It is not for that. I have as many strong and
willing hands to work as I require, but I want wise heads, full of years
and experience, which may aid me in council and guard me from the
blunders of youth and inexperience. Besides, man was not, it seems to
me, put into this world merely to enjoy himself. If he was, then are
the brutes his superiors, for they have no cares, no anxieties about
food or raiment, or housing, and they enjoy themselves to the full as
long as their little day lasts. There is surely some nobler end for
man, and as you have given much study to the works and ways and reputed
words of the All-seeing One, I want you to aid me in helping men to look
upward--to soar like the eagle above the things of earth, as well as to
consider the intere