Southern Argus

For The Argus.

A CHAPTER OF THE CHRONICLES.

1. And it came to pass in the 4th year of the reign of Martin the King, successor of Andrew, that he greatly displeased the people.

2. And the people began to murmur among themselves saying--Martin the King hath not done well, and he must not reign over us any longer.

3. And it came to pass that, when Martin the King, heard that the People did murmur concerning him, he began to fear, and consider how he might appease the wrath of the people.

4. And Martin, the King, called Amos the Priest, and said unto him, The people complain against me and oppress me sore, and I fear they will take my throne and kingdom from me, and I shall never more be heard among the people;

5. And now therefore, said he, do you leave the tabernacle, and the altar, and the incense over which you have looked long and faithfully, and come unto me, and I will make you to deliver mine oracles unto this people, that they may know my will, and cease this, their complaint.

6. And it came to pass that, when Martin, the King, had finished giving his commands unto Amos the Priest, and Amos the Priest had done all that was commanded him, he found favor in the sight of the King.

7. And the King said unto him, Amos thou hast done well, and now sit down and write unto this people, saying--

8. O Ye People! thus saith Martin the King--ye have vexed and troubled me by your exceeding murmuring; why do ye thus rebel against my laws, and disturb the peace and happiness of the nation? Go to now, and be ye silent, but in my wrath I forget mercy and ye suffer thereby;

9. I have watched over you and ministered unto your wants, when ye have cried unto me I have heard, and when ye have called unto me I have answered; and now why do ye thus mock at my kindness, and close your eyes against the truth?

10. And it also came to pass that, when the People heard this, they were amazed, and lifted up their voices saying:--

11. Martin the King speaketh not truly! We have been oppressed and he hath not helped us; we have sunk down in our misery and he hath sent no one to our aid; and now we believe that Martin, the King, hath brought this affliction and distress upon us, and now laugheth at our calamity.

12. And when the King heard thus that the People said, he was sore afraid, and called unto Amos the Priest, saying--now I know this is a wise and discreet people, for they have found out my purposes, and I am at a loss to know how to blind their eyes that they may not see, and to stop their ears that they may not hear.

13. And Amos the Priest said--Will my Lord, the King, hearken unto his servant? and the King said, say on.

14. And Amos said--My Lord, our noble King Andrew is not yet gathered unto his fathers; and send unto him, and peradventure he may tell us what to do.

15. And it came to pass that, when Martin, the King, heard this, he loved Amos his servant, and said unto him write unto our father Andrew, and tell him to speak unto this people, that they may cease their murmurings.

16. And when Amos had written unto Andrew, and told him the words of Martin the King, Andrew sat down and wrote unto the People saying:--

17. O ye People! what is this I hear of you? Why do you vex your King with complaints? He is a wise and prudent King and hath a care for your necessities. Now see that ye cease your murmurings and complaints.

18. And it came to pass that, when the people saw that old Andrew, who had ruled over them with a rod of iron, was knowing of these affairs, and was privy to them, they cried saying--Now we know that this nation seeketh our harm; and let us go and seek one to rule over us with justice and mercy; let us take one who has been nurtured and raised, and is known among us--one who will feel for our necessities and provide for them.

19. And they did so!