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Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches — Volume 1 by Baron Thomas Babington Macaulay Macaulay
page 41 of 216 (18%)
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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