PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
The end justifies the means, so these stories are designed to increase interest in the Book of Mormon. Hundreds of books have been written founded on the Bible, and there are some wonderfully colorful accounts of the founding of Christianity in Judea, Alexandria, and Rome. It is surprising that more has not been done dealing with the ancient history of the western world. Several of these stories were first published in the Improvement Era, and acknowledgement is made to that magazine for the encouragement it extended to the author, who traveled twice to Mexico and excavated amon the ruins there to gain information at first hand. If any boy or girl, after perusing these pages, is inspired to turn direct to the beautiful and simple language of the Book of Mormon itself, the purpose of "The Cities of the Sun" has been accomplished.
The Cities of the Sun
Stories of Ancient America, Founded on Historical Incidents in the Book of Mormon.
THE MARTYR.
I.
THE KING'S COUNCIL.
"What now, Amulon? Why so gloomy? Upon my word, you have not smiled for a week," and King Noah affectionately slapped his favorite's shoulder.
"I'll warrant me it's a woman," continued the king, when the other vouchsafed no reply, "for nothing else would move you."
"And what if it were?" answered the other moodily. "Would talking about it mend matters?"