father, "our little Brown Goat shall enter The
Temple with our happy blessings."
16 "Father," continued the young man, "there is another thing also I
must say. Long I have considered it, and now I know without doubt, it
is the course I must follow. I must be a Child of The Gentleness. The
ways of war are not for me.
17 I am a man of peace. Long have I despised violence. Perhaps it is
the lack of manhood in me, but I could never take blood, never could I
hurt any man."
18 "That I am a fighting man," answered his father, "has always been my
pride, but also I understand and have a high respect for those who
cannot kill. Some men can swing a sword, others cannot. I will consider
it no dishonor if the child I love chooses The Gentle Path. It is the
best way
for some."
19 "My father," praised Brown Goat, "you are the greatest among men!
Long may I bring the name you have given me honor!"
20 So it was that Brown Goat, at a young age, went to The Temple of The
Ten Stones, there joined The Brotherhood of The Dove, and took
The Vows of Gentleness.
21 Now, the Brothers quickly grew to love this young man in their
midst. In every way he could, he filled their hearts with joy. The old
Brothers,
who had long served their people, and had retired to The Temple were
given his tender care. Each day he saw to their needs, fed those who
could not feed themselves, read new books to the blind, and always sat
by their beds, making verses. In their last hours he brought them much
joy.
22 Now, his verses soon became famous. As fast as one was written it
was taken to the printers