The Bumbo of Jiam故事

英语自学网

The Bumbo of Jiam故事
    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 Cannon Founders, which
    had important branches in both countries, they decided to refer
    their claims to the Bumbo of Jiam, and abide by his judgment.  In
    settling the preliminaries of the arbitration they had, however,
    the misfortune to disagree, and appealed to arms.  At the end of a
    long and disastrous war, when both sides were exhausted 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 advantageous to you to learn that some questions are more
    complex and perilous than others, presenting a greater number of
    points upon which it is possible to differ.  For four generations
    your royal predecessors disputed about possession of that island,
    without falling out.  Beware, oh, beware the perils of
    international arbitration! - against which I feel it my duty to
    protect you henceforth."
    So saying, he annexed both countries, and after a long, peaceful,
    and happy reign was poisoned by his Prime Minister.