"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.