Myself. Assuredly I do. I believe war is wrong; is hateful to high heaven; is contrary to the principles of the gospel, which command us to love one another. From God comes life. He sustains it. He only has a right to take it away. In man we see His image. Of one blood He has made us all. Although we are brothers, yet we act towards each other as if we were the children of the evil one. But a time will come when strife and contention shall cease, when there shall exist universal harmony, a harmony founded on the law of Christ, which is the law of love.
“I am surprised at your confession. The opinion you hold on this question is directly contrary to that held by your teachers. Why, your ministers preach the doctrine that war is in harmony with your faith. Is not that so?”
Myself. I must own that that is so. Still I believe them to be in error, and hope they will discover their error before it is too late. I am afraid that a great deal of the scepticism of the times is principally owing to the want of harmony between the truth and the profession of it. As a race we don’t practically live out the precepts of our faith. Hence the reason why men of the world scorn religious men, and you know contempt usually ends in disbelief.
“If we have not the light you have, still we are a purer and a more virtuous people than yours. We are sober and temperate, but your race is not. We live in peace, never engage in war, but you kill each other with the sword and the bow. Then as our climate is so superior to yours, why not stay with us for ever?”
Myself. I could not live without seeing my father and mother; without visiting the upper world in order to bask occasionally on the sylvan banks of Tawe’s crystal waters; to gaze on the blue heavens, with their twinkling stars; to wander about the green meads, and listen to the rich melody of the winged songsters of the grove and primeval forest; but I should like to visit you now and then. Before I return I am anxious to see and have converse with your king, the rather that, as the prince informed me, he is a wise and virtuous ruler.
“I rejoice that the prince has spoken so well of his master. I am the king, and I thank you for speaking so freely of your country and its people. Whenever you choose to pay us a visit, be assured you shall be heartily welcome.”
Myself. May it please your majesty, your majesty has treated me as if I were a prince instead of a poor fisherman’s son. Your majesty’s kindness and hospitality I shall ever remember with gratitude. I accept your invitation, and I will certainly pay another visit to your beautiful country.
The King. At all times you shall be heartily received.
Myself. Thanks; a thousand thanks. Were I not a Welshman, I would dwell in your beautiful land.
The King. You have spoken handsomely of my dominions. But here comes the prince; he shall conduct you to the sylvan banks of your beautiful river, a river you so much love.