the Sentry

Halt! Who goes there?

Tis I!

I who?

I who wishes to pass!

Identify yourself.

Cart pusher bearing a load of dung for the king!

Where do you hail from?

Afar.

Fresh or dried dung?

Fresh if you'll let me pass!

Here here! Formalities first. What is the source of the dung?

Animal anus'

I suppose you trade demands a humor. I have not that luxory. SOURCE!

Straw?

Please!

The farmers field ... God?

FINE! Just pass. (shee! This new trade agreement would end in war if I did my job)

the Guard

Mother! Come see!

There, the guard sleeps! He wakes only to stand off those that come to relieve him!

See how enemies stroll about in great fanfare! Dare not wake him lest he smite you with foggy eyes for the King has blinded him yet his blade is still sharp.

Look closer mother. He is chained to his post. The enemy goes about his business while fools and knaves wake and taunt him from safe distance. His office is become a mere gesture for them that still desire him and though he remains loyal to the King he is trusted by no one. See how he smites the good with the bad as the enemy pauses to laugh!

Mother what has happened? The king says all is well and the Lords prosper and we fools have bread and none are afraid yet I fear.

Let us go home Mother and pray all is well. For surely the king is wise and we fools and I wrong to alarm you. Let us go about our needs.