LXXIV
The Country
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That is the great country which never faileth in its yield of harvests, and which is the abode of sages and of rich men that are worthy.
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That is the great country which attracteth men to itself by the greatness of its wealth and which yieldeth abundantly for that it is free from pests.
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Behold the great nation: even if burdens upon burdens press down upon it, it will support them bravely and pay its taxes in full withal.
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That is the great country which is free from famines and plagues, and which is safe from the invasions of enemies.
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That is the great nation which is not divided into warring sects, which is free from murderous anarchists, and which hath no traitors within its bosom to ruin it.
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Behold the land that hath known no devastation by its foes, and which, even should it suffer any, would not bate one whit in its yield: it will be called a jewel among the countries of the world.
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The waters of the surface, the waters that flow underground, rainwater, well-situated mountains, and strong fortifications, these are indispensable to every country.
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Wealth, richness of yield, happiness, immunity from diseases, and safety from invasions, these five are the ornaments of a kingdom.
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That alone deserveth to be called country which produceth abundantly without the labour of the people: that which yieldeth only unto labour deserveth not that name.
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Even if a country hath all these blessings it is worth nothing if it is not blessed in its ruler.