t to be subscribed by the king, which being done, it
was publicly read by a herald, as follows:

"On mature consideration we adjudge, that the proposal made by Sr:
Skabba, first court-footman to his majesty, to exclude the second sex
from public offices, cannot be accepted, without affecting the peace and
order of the kingdom: since the women, who form the half of our
population, would naturally be excited by this innovation, and thereby
become hostile and troublesome to the government. Furthermore, we hold
it to be unjust to deny, to trees of excellent qualities, admission to
offices of which they have hitherto shown themselves to be worthy and
especially it is incredible, that nature, which does nothing
inconsiderately, should have idly endued them with superior and varied
gifts. We believe the welfare of the kingdom requires that a regard
should be had to fitness rather than to names, in the disposal of
offices. As the land is not seldom in need of capable subjects, we
pronounce a statute which should declare an entire half of the
inhabitants, merely from birth, unworthy of and useless in affairs, to
be deplorable.

"After grave deliberation we declare this to be justice: let the
aforesaid Skabba, for his no less despicable than bold proposal, suffer
the usual punishment in such cases."

The good king took my misfortune to heart, but did not seek to change
the resolution of the Council. As a matter of form he signed the warrant
for my execution. Yet with his characteristic mildness, and in
consideration of my having been born and educated in a strange world,
where a quick and reckless head is thought to be a blessing, he commuted
my punishment to imprisonment till the beginning of the Birch month,
when, with other animals, I should be banished to the firmament. When
this sentence was published, I was sent to prison.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CHAPTER X.

THE VOYAGE TO THE FIRMAMENT.

Twice a year, some very large birds, called Kupakki or post birds, are
wont to show themselves on the planet Nazar.

They come and go at certain regular periods, which has given rise to
various opinions. Some think, that insects, of which great multitudes
appear at the same periods, and which the birds are very fond of eating,
entice them down to the planet. This is my own notion. The circumstance,
that when these insects disappear, the birds return to the firmament,
places the opinion almost beyond all doubt. I