A True History (1.12)

"If," said he, "I bring to a successful issue the war I am now waging against the inhabitants of the Sun, you will find this the pleasantest place of residence in the universe." We asked who the enemy were and what was the matter in dispute. "Phaeton," said he, "the king of the Sun-folk -for the Sun is inhabited as well as the Moonhas been at war with us for a long time already. It began from this cause: I had collected the poorest of my subjects and planned to send them off to colonize the Morning-star, which is a wilderness, uninhabited by any one. Now Phaeton, in his jealousy, stopped the colonists, meeting

them half-way on their journey with his Antcavalry. On that occasion we were beaten— for our numbers were not equal to theirs-and we retired, but now I want to march out again and convoy the colonists. So, if it be agreeable to you, join my expedition. I will furnish you with a vulture apiece from the royal stables and the rest of your equipment. We shall set out tomorrow." "We are at your service," said I.