CHAPTER VIII.
1 The rulers make them new laws. 2 And close the bazaars. 5 They give more light. 9 They tax the profits that were made because of the war. 13 Bribery flourisheth. 15 The petrol is conserved. 18 They that seek after pleasure are taxed. 20 The taxes are paid gladly. 23 Concerning commissions. 29 And Northcliffe.
Take heed, all ye that read, and pay attention, for these are the things that the rulers of the land of En did lay upon the people at a time when there was war.
2 ¶ Now they did make them a law and did enjoin upon all the dealers in merchandise that they should cease from trafficking in the market places in the youth of the night; yea, at eight hours after midday were they constrained to stop from selling their wares and merchandise.
3 And the reason thereof was uncertain, some saying it was for a means of saving fuel, whilst others did say it was because those that served in the bazaars were few and needed them rest.
4 But there were many that did say it was but the spirit of interference that was rife in the land; and they were filled with suspicion, thinking that the early closers were grinding them their axe.
5 ¶ And in the summer season the rulers did give unto the people more light. And it was the light of day that they bestowed, but upon the doings of the war they shed no more light.
6 Now the giving of more light was one of the things that the rulers did wisely, wherefore the people did praise them; and they were amazed, for it was not the custom amongst the men of En to praise the rulers of the land.
7 Neither was there often cause therefor, for a wise ruler is precious beyond price, howbeit many a fool is raised unto an high place;
8 For the fool speaketh sometimes wisdom, and it is recorded. But the foolishness of fools do men forget.
9 ¶ And certain men did set them about for to find a means whereby they might make a good thing out of the war.
10 And when word was brought unto the rulers concerning what they were doing, they did make them a law. And they did take unto themselves a certain share from the profits that these men did gather in.
11 And those that were at one with the patriots complained not; and those that were making them enough, neither did these complain.
12 And they that did do things for the rulers out of the generosity of their hearts, even these went not empty away.
13 ¶ And there were certain men amongst the servants of the rulers that did ask for sweet oil, and they did say unto the traders, Grease thou the palms of our hands that we may bargain with thee to thy advantage.
14 And those that were found out were cast into prison, and their names did stink most vilely throughout the length and breadth of the land.
15 ¶ And because it was a prudent thing to do, the rulers gave unto them that had chariots only so much of what men called petrol as was left over. And the hosts of En did receive their portion before all others.
16 Therefore those that were wealthy amongst the people used not their chariots save when there was need; and they that were used to joy ride, they did do so no more.
17 For in all matters were the people ready to make them sacrifices unto the needs of the war, and they did do all those things that were required of them for to bring nearer the end of it.
18 ¶ And a tax was made upon all those that did go unto the theatre; yea, even upon them that did view the pictures and upon them that did watch men playing with a ball, was the tax imposed.
19 And because it was not much, and was, moreover, a righteous tax, they did pay it gladly; and the number of them that did go unto such places, it was not less than before.
20 ¶ And there were other taxes also and they were exceeding heavy, so that all the money that was paid by the people unto the tax gatherers was great beyond anything that men had thought possible.
21 Nevertheless there was no murmuring in the land, and the people did push, the one against the other, to be first at the receipt of custom, every man with his money in his hand.
22 And he that was the chief amongst all the tax gatherers was amazed. And he spake unto several concerning it, saying, Are not these that do shower their gold upon me the same that before did curse my name? When I asked for a mite, they reviled me shamefully; yet, now I ask for much, behold, they bring it flowing over. For he understood not that this was the spirit of the nation.
23 ¶ Now when there was any matter that was beyond the rulers so that they knew not what to do, they would appoint them a commission for to inquire concerning it.
24 And a commission was an assembly of wise men that were sometimes foolish; and they would gather themselves together, and they would question all and sundry, and they would talk.
25 But lest they should do some thing in their carryings on, the rulers would give them instruction and would speak unto them, saying,
26 Go ye into a room apart and gather round. And send the young men into the highways and into the byways that they may bring unto you all them that know aught concerning the matter. And whatsoever they may say unto you, that shall ye hear.
27 Afterwards, ye shall make us a report, for that doeth injury unto no man. But woe be unto you if ye shall do anything that exceedeth our commandment; verily shall our wrath burn thee up, and thy bones shall fall away into dust.
28 By this means did the rulers put away for a long time those things that were vexatious unto them, having faith in the memory of the people that it was short. Therefore was a commission unto the rulers as a bag of sand unto him that fighteth, for it was a shield. And the day was not known whereon the rulers appointed them not a commission.
29 ¶ But there was a certain man and his name was Northcliffe. And the people were divided into two camps concerning him, some saying that he was a raiser of scares, whilst others did say that he knew things. And all were agreed that he was a thorn in the side of the rulers.
30 And when a commission did bring its report unto the rulers, then did these retire unto the privacy of their bedchambers. And the report they did take with them for to be a pillow unto their heads.
31 And Northcliffe would raise his voice on high and he would say many bitter words. And he would arouse them and would make them to do things.
32 And though many were against him because of it, the good that he did do was manifest. And because he left not the rulers to sleep, therefore did men call him Helsabout, which meaneth The Awakener.