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WRITTEN THOUGHT.
185

the pots and flagons appertaining thereunto, was banished from every table. Divers also of the ancient women did murmur within their tents, saying: "Ye have taken away that which did comfort us in all our toil. An evil and bitter thing did they do who cast it into the sea. And lo! because of this, sleep hath departed from our eyes."

But the wise men, who looked into the future concerning this matter, answered with kind words, saying: "Be ye of a good courage; for, peradventure, there shall grow herefrom an excellent thing, that ye wot not of, even a fair heritage to a free people."