The dictator saw the Sage, and then he said,
"Tell me, the sage wisdom."
So the Sage said, "In war, kill your enemy quick.
"And only wage war, when a country deserves
"To have its children slaughtered."
The dictator, feigning rage,
Cried out, "Such is unlawful!"
The Sage then said,
"Lawful speech I have, to say you are an evil wretch."
The dictator then cried,
"I shall come and kill you, and make it quick.
"I will not torture you, just kill you quick."
To which the Sage said,
"So come, and bring all you have."
The dictator did not come;
Where was he? The enemy was turned
To the sea, and their stink raised up
Before all the land.
The Dictator and Sage
Published
