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.