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?