2. BUILDING THE ARK

Then Noah went his way, and set to work to build him a great ship, to be ready for the day of deluge.

And he laid the keel in the pasture fields, among the daisies; while the idlers came to look on and laugh at such folly—a ship for a rainy day!

3. LABOR TROUBLES

But Noah knew that he was right, and kept on.

And the ship rose, but troubles arose too: for frequent and grievous strikes delayed him, and his workmen clamored for more pay and stoned those who would work.

And Noah bargained with them, and started afresh; for he feared that the rain might come before he was ready.