Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches — Volume 1 by Baron Thomas Babington Macaulay Macaulay
page 41 of 216 (18%)
page 41 of 216 (18%)
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He then ordered proclamation to be made that a purple robe and a
golden chain should be given to the man who could solve this difficulty. An old philosopher, who had been observed to smile rather disdainfully when the prize had first been instituted, came forward and spoke thus:-- "Gomer Chephoraod, live for ever! Marvel not at that which has happened. It was no miracle, but a natural event. How could it be otherwise? It is true that much good wine has been made this year. But who would send it in for thy rewards? Thou knowest Ascobaruch who hath the great vineyards in the north, and Cohahiroth who sendeth wine every year from the south over the Persian Golf. Their wines are so delicious that ten measures thereof are sold for an hundred talents of silver. Thinkest thou that they will exchange them for thy slaves and thine asses? What would thy prize profit any who have vineyards in rich soils?" "Who then," said one of the judges, "are the wretches who sent us this poison?" "Blame them not," said the sage, "seeing that you have been the authors of the evil. They are men whose lands are poor, and have never yielded them any returns equal to the prizes which the king proposed. Wherefore, knowing that the lords of the fruitful vineyards would not enter into competition with them they planted vines, some on rocks, and some in light sandy soil, and some in deep clay. Hence their wines are bad. For no culture or reward |
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