and the rest of it. Thus, O King, just as Slow-Poison destroyed the frogs through the power of intelligence, so did I destroy all the enemy. There is much wisdom in this:
The forest-fire leaves roots entire,
Though trunks remain a shell;
The flooding pool of water cool
Uproots the roots as well."
"Very true," said Cloudy. "And besides:
This is the greatness of the great
Whom gems of wisdom decorate;
Despite what hurts and hinders, too,
They see an undertaking through."
"Very true," said Live-Strong. "And once again:
The final penny of a debt
The final foeman dire,
The final twinges of disease
The final spark of fire—
Finality on these imposed
Leaves nothing to desire.
"O King, you are truly fortunate. For your undertaking has had final success. Indeed, valor is not sufficient to end a matter. Victory is wisdom's business. As the proverb says:
'Tis not the sword destroys a foe,
'Tis wit that utterly lays low:
Swords kill the body; wit destroys
Fame, family, and regal joys.
