THE Pahdour of Patagascar and the Gookul of Madagonia were
disputing about an island which both claimed.  Finally, at the
suggestion of the International League of Cannon¹ Founders², which
had important branches in both countries, they decided³ to refer
their claims to the Bumbo of Jiam, and abide⁴ by his judgment⁵.  In
settling the preliminaries of the arbitration⁶ they had, however,
the misfortune to disagree, and appealed to arms.  At the end of a
long and disastrous⁷ war, when both sides were exhausted⁸ and
bankrupt, the Bumbo of Jiam intervened in the interest of peace.

  "My great and good friends," he said to his brother sovereigns, "it
will be advantageous¹⁰ to you to learn that some questions are more
complex and perilous¹¹ than others, presenting a greater number of
points upon which it is possible to differ.  For four generations
your royal predecessors¹² disputed about possession of that island,
without falling out.  Beware, oh, beware the perils¹³ of
international arbitration! - against which I feel it my duty to
protect you henceforth."

  So saying, he annexed¹⁴ both countries, and after a long, peaceful,
and happy reign⁹ was poisoned by his Prime Minister.

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