The Bumbo of Jiam

  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 Cannon¹ Founders², which
had important branches in both countries, they decided³ to refer
their claims to the Bumbo of Jiam, and abide⁴ by his judgment⁵.  In
settling the preliminaries of the arbitration⁶ they had, however,
the misfortune to disagree, and appealed to arms.  At the end of a
long and disastrous⁷ war, when both sides were exhausted⁸ 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 advantageous¹⁰ to you to learn that some questions are more
complex and perilous¹¹ than others, presenting a greater number of
points upon which it is possible to differ.  For four generations
your royal predecessors¹² disputed about possession of that island,
without falling out.  Beware, oh, beware the perils¹³ of
international arbitration! - against which I feel it my duty to
protect you henceforth."

  So saying, he annexed¹⁴ both countries, and after a long, peaceful,
and happy reign⁹ was poisoned by his Prime Minister.