80

"Take a small kingdom and a few people, Cause ten or a hundred of them to carry weapons, But not to use them. Cause the people to fear death, Do not let them travel far, Though they may have boats and carriages, Let them use them only within the kingdom. Though they may have soldiers in uniform, Let them parade only within the kingdom. Cause the people again to have knotted cords, And to use them (instead of written characters). Their food would be sweet, Their clothing would be beautiful in their own eyes, Their dwellings would be resting-places, They would love their simple ways. If another kingdom were so near That they could hear the sounds of dogs and fowls, They would not come into mutual contact Until they all grew old and died."