First old man: “All the gods look like something. There is a tribe in the south whose god is only two feet high, and entirely covered with short black hair. His people are naturally pygmies. What have you to say to that? or would you like me to believe that our God is also the father of pygmies?” Second old man: “Pygmies are not human beings, but monsters. It does not surprise me to find monsters in the world. I say it does not surprise me because I can see a little beyond the front of my face. On the other hand you cannot see anything but what is right under your nose. You are not a philosopher; you are a patriot. You would like to keep God all to yourself.” First old man: “Exactly, I am a patriot. And what are you? I hesitate even to say it.” The two old men glared angrily at each other. “Look,” said the first old man to Bildad, the water carrier, who was passing by, “he wishes to give God away to the Gentiles.” Bildad shook his head. “No,” he said accusingly: “Oh, my.” And he hurried away to join a group of villagers about Prince Ahab, who was standing by the side of a table on which was set out a large bowl of wine. The prince was in the best of humor. “My friends,” he exclaimed, “what we need is more exercise. That is what makes a nation healthy. Talk is all very well, but there is too much of it.” He paused to take a long drink of wine. Several farmers who worked in the fields from dawn until dark applauded his remarks. It was easy to see that they respected his opinions, and that they did not know what he was talking about. “Just imagine,” said Bildad, “there is a man outside who wishes to give our God away to the gentiles.” “He is an ignoramus,” said Ahab. He continued, “Every one will agree with me that a good horse is the most beautiful thing in the world. Next to a horse, the best thing in the world is to be active, and to take a lot of exercise.” Uncle David nodded his head vigorously. “Exactly,” he said; “those are my opinions, almost word for word. A good active life is what I say.” The Prince turned upon Uncle David a face flushed with wine. “What,” he exclaimed, “here is an honest man.” And he embraced Uncle David, who said proudly to those standing near by, “We agree with each other. After all, he is a noble fellow.” Then he quietly asked Bildad to point out to him the old man who wished to give God away. When he found him, he went up to him and said, “Go away; please get out of this, as we do not want an ignoramus here.” Returning to the kitchen, he looked around him with an important air, and after blowing his nose, exclaimed, “Unhealthy people.” Prince Ahab was still talking. Clutching his beard, stained with grape, he concluded morosely, “Nobody rides any more.”