Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2012 22:04:11 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden's Saga 14

Arden's Saga
by:  dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)

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14:  Lessons


1312, the 11th month, 10th day:

What I didn't know yesterday was that a fisher had brought a dispatch to
the castle; it was from a passing Venetian vessel.  Now I know how our
fathers seem to know so much about what is happening in the world outside,
with our port and borders closed.  One of the Triangles stopped me in the
hall to whisper the news.  That is also how they know what goes on in this
place.  They have their own network of Triangles, in place from when they
were young princes.  I wonder what they called themselves and if our
grandfathers were aware of them?  It makes sense that they would have such
a network and that our grandfathers, like our fathers sanctioned it.  Iason
thought this was very exciting.  Sometimes I have the impression he still
thinks of everything as a game.  Well not everything, just most everything.
Perhaps it is his natural inclination toward the theatre.  I think were he
not Crown Prince he would be a actor.  I must admit he is talented that
way, at least compared to me.

I wonder what is in the message but think it best not to ask.  When Uncle
Iason and Father came into the council chamber they both had the strangest
look on their faces.  Iason whispered, "that is their mischievous look.
They are up to something, see how they giggle like us boys."  It was
obvious, all the knights realized the royal couple were in an extraordinary
mood.  Not that they are ever anything but pleasant.

The business of the day moved quite quickly, with not that many and all
mundane, matters.  Father kept looking at the clock.  I figured this had to
do with the Florentine Envoy's absence.  The pages were all talking among
ourselves, as were little groups of Knights.  Every once in while a knight
would laugh so we assumed they were telling jokes.  Our humour is very
broad based and almost anything or anyone is open to it.  Father told me it
is a mark of our democratic traditions, much like our satirical theatre.

Finally Uncle Iason called, "pages come and let us play a game."  We are up
for this and all scrambled to where he was standing.  In his hand he held
six pieces of straw.  He held it up to us.  "I only need one message to be
delivered today, the one who draws the short stew has the task."  We each
drew and Iason pulled the short.  "Please take this message to the Envoy.
You need not wait for a reply."  He handed the folded paper to Iason.

"Should it not be sealed?" Iason inquired.  A very reasonable thing to ask
and one we are trained to do.

"No, that buffoon is not worth the cost of the wax," Uncle boom, all the
knights laughed mightily.  "It is not sealed so you are permitted to read
it.  To everyone."

Iason opened and read to all, "6000 gold florins."  The number was written
by the system introduced by Leonardo Pisano of Pisa. (TN: these would be
the Hindu-Arabic place-valued decimal system.)  Our math tutors make us
learn our ancient systems, the Roman system and this one.  Something well
known to our scholars, from about 500, having come to us through the
Byzantines.  They told us the Romans were so caught up in their own world
that this was ignored except for scholars working on fixing proper dates
for religions festivals.  (Translator's Note: The Eastern Roman Empire is
better known as the Empire of the Greeks but to locals as the Roman Empire.
It was centred in Konstantinople, spelled with a Kappa by Arden so I will
use that form.  The term Byzantine is from the 1800's.  In theory Parga was
part of this, but as we see, the theory and practice are not always the
same.)

"Perhaps you should also write it in Roman Numbers for him Sire?"

"Perhaps I should but then it would take all the fun out of making him
puzzle over it.  I wonder if he will know Iota zeta stands for Iason the
7th. and not Iason of Zakinthos?"  Probably not someone chimed in, to much
laughter.  "Page, try and make a straight face when you hand it to him, a
difficult task to be sure."

We remaining five were dismissed to the sports fields for the remainder of
the afternoon.  I could not concentrate on anything but running.  That
takes no real concentration.  I could do nothing but wonder the content of
the messages brought by the fisher.


1312, the 11th month, 15th day:

On each subsequent day a page drew the short straw and carried another
short note to the Envoy.  I never got that chance.  The captured Florentine
fleet and our merchant fleet was made ready to sail.  It was decided to
employ 12 of our merchant vessels to take the solders.  I could see all the
activity in the harbour and took that as a clue to mean the solders would
go to Florence and the war ships to some other port.

On the 13th day our largest war ship came into port.  This ship carried our
Admiral Pantaleon.  I had never met him before.  Iason had, not as Admiral
just as his mother's cousin.  Our meeting had been quite brief.  He
immediately went into meetings with Archimedes and the other ingegneres.

We were woken up early on the 15th and told to prepare for a long day as
pages.  When I looked out our window, at the harbour, I could see two ships
entering, one behind the other.  One from Florence and a much larger and
grander one from Venice.  The Venetian vessel was being pulled along side
the main quay and I assumed would off load cargo.  I saw a military escort
of King's Guards leaving the Castle and a smaller escort of Argoanuts
following behind them.  Both had dress uniforms on.  I wondered what the
Argoanuts were about, so did Iason.  Ikaros pushed us out the door for our
morning meal with the other pages.  Sometimes he is like our mother.

Uncle Tertius was in the court yard directing traffic, as it were.  He was
sending people in all directions making sure they all knew what their
timing and duties were.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, was dressed in
their finest parade uniforms.  We boys were madly speculating on what was
about to happen.  One of the knights that was inspecting everyone, to be
sure we were all dressed exactly right, told us when he was a page, when
our grandfathers were still alive, a show like this was put on for some
visiting nobles from Pula.

The main hall was decorated in the finest way.  Every seat and available
space to stand was assigned to someone, along the balcony I could see
hundreds of palace faces, including many of the Argoanuts and Palace Boys
and Girls.  Many ladies were also in attendance but not Princess Elpis.
The baby was due any time now and the midwives had confined her to bed.

We were not long in the main hall when the pages and scribes were summoned
into the council chamber.  All the council knights, and our fathers milled
around the room.  We were told to sit and be quiet.  Presently Ikaros came
into the room with Iason's and my finest tunics and our gold loral wreath
crowns.  He took away our page's tunics but left our page's hats.  We had
no idea why this was, except we knew we would be called upon to do some
ceremonial thing or at least were being prepared to do so.

The guards opened the door and announced the Florentine Ambassador to
Venice, the Venetian Ambassador to the Court of King Iason the 7th, the
personal representative of the Doge of Venice and several others.
Introductions were quickly made and everyone settled down to business.  The
Florentine Ambassador just out and paid the 5000 florins, agreed to the
peace and friendship treaty and chartered 12 ships to take his army home.
The Venetian Ambassador and Doge's representative offered 7,500 gold
florins for the captured Florentine ships, a peace and friendship treaty
with us and an invitation for our ambassador to take up residence in
Venice.  The scribes were set to making the contracts and everyone shook
hands and congratulated each other.  Iason and I were brought forward to
meet them.  Karyakos explained the little ceremony that would happen as
soon as everyone was in place.  This brought broad smiles to the faces of
the visitors and to us as well.

The Florentine Ambassador told us that the Envoy would be arrested as soon
as he stepped on the Florentine flag vessel; much cleaning had taken place
in Florence, since this "stupid adventure" had proven to be other than
originally represented to his government.  The word came and everyone took
their positions in the great hall.

We pages sat behind the King in our usual place.  The council knights and
the King and Consort sat on their thrones.  First the Florentine Ambassador
to Venice was announced and he came in bowed to the royal couple and
presented his official documents of accreditation along with a letter from
the Doge assuring us the Ambassador did in fact speak on behalf of
Florence.  All the while the Envoy was seated with others along one side of
the wall.  I could not see his face, Father's throne blocked my view.  The
page at the other end of our row whispered, "he is as white as a ghost is
reported to be."  Next the Venetian Ambassador to our court was announced
along with the Doge's personal representative.  Their papers were presented
and accepted.  King Iason welcomed all three.  Karyakos was about to speak
when the doors opened and in ran our three little brothers, followed by two
nurses in a loosing foot race for the King.  Nikias was yelling for daddy
to come quick mommy needs him.  He was joined by the other two.

Father immediately asked the nurse, "how is it?"  She just shook her head
from side to side and Iason began to cry.  I grabbed onto him and began
crying myself.  Karyakos stood and told the King, "Go to your wife in her
time of need brother, go."  By now the nurses had caught up to the boys and
Uncle Iason with Nikias in his arms ran from the hall with the nurses and
the twins right behind him.  I could not see clearly, the tears were in my
eyes as I held my beloved, who was crying uncontrollably.  He rose to go as
well, but Karyakos pointed for us to sit.  We sat.  He knew, what we
realized later, two older sons were the last thing needed in her
apartments, as she lay dying.  She needed her husband and not the king or
any of his court, us included.

Father wiped the tears from his eyes and stood, moved down the steps to the
floor.  "The Midwives were called to Princess Elpis' chambers earlier
today.  Obviously the situation with this 6th child is not a good one.  The
King, begs your understanding for his absence."  He turned to the pages.
"First page go and stand by to bring any news.  Tell also the King to stay
with his family, he is not needed here, he is needed there."

He glared at us briefly, I knew we had to pull ourselves together and do
our duty, as he was doing his.

"Friends, I know some of you have wondered why we have this strange, two
part or shared office.  You now have your questions answered."  He returned
to his seat.  "You have all assembled here today for a multi purpose
celebration and excursive in our unique style of demokratia government.
For our visitors I should explain.  In this kingdom, unlike most other
places in the world, almost all of us are blood related.  We are one large
clan, fewer then 300 of us can not trace our roots to the founding
families.  Those 300 are relatively new to our land and in a generation or
two will be part of us as well.  Any one can go to any part of this land
and find a sister, brother, cousin, aunt or uncle.

We must press onward and should not let our personal difficulties interfere
with the joy and celebration of the family as whole.  To that end we have
officially received three distinguished visitors and recognized their
office.  We thank you for your presence in our land and for accepting the
hospitality of our family.

Earlier today.  No, I get ahead of myself.  Envoy your official status has
been revoked by your government.  Please remain with us in this room and
celebrate with us, the good news I am about to announce.

Earlier today we concluded several pieces of important business.  First we
have settled our difference with Florence and all hostilities are ended
between us.  In addition, we have concluded a Peace and Friendship treaty
between us.  The purpose of this treaty is to assure both Florence and
ourselves that we respect each other's independence and resolve to mediate
any points of friction between us, to avoid further conflict.  Florence has
made a strong gesture of good will toward us by granting the sum of 5000
florins.  This money will be used to help endow the King Iason the 7th Free
University and Academia.  We will welcome scholars and students, from all
lands, intent on the advancement of knowledge.  How do the citizens of
Parga think about this?"  They all began to clap, whistle and shout
approval.

Second: The Venetian Ambassador has purchased the captured Florentine navel
vessels, now anchored in our harbour.  The Captains of these vessels are
here with us.  I have been assured that you and your crews will be fairly
compensated for your work.  You should sail on the evening tide for Venice.
The Doge's personal representative will meet with you this afternoon.  We
found you and your men to be worthy sailors and shipwrights and we look
forward to the day when you again call on our port, to receive the welcome
and hospitality we so much enjoy give to friends and respected colleges.
Fair winds and good weather on your journey.

Third: the Florentine ambassador has chartered some of our merchant fleet
to transport the land army guests back to Florence.  You too will sail on
the evening tide.  I know your stay here has not been the most pleasant of
circumstances but it has been a most pleasant experience to work with brave
men of honour.  We look forward to greeting you as visitors in the future.

We have one more small piece of business to conclude."  Father turned to
Iason and myself and pointed at his head.  It took us a second to figure
that out.  Take off the page hats and put on our laurel wreaths.  "General
would you come forward to represent all of your military men.  Prince Iason
and Prince Arden would you come forward and return the General's sward to
him, we have no further need of it."

Iason and I moved to the floor before the thrones and the General came
forward.  Uncle Tertius carried the sward in a very fancy scabbard.  This
was not the actual sward that had been surrendered.  This was a very fancy
ceremonial sward.  I could see Iason was to have a very good time doing
this.  He loved being on stage and performing before an audience.  The
General knelt down and we both placed our hands on the sward.  Iason looked
at me with his deep blue eyes, fix on mine.  He had a half smile on his
face.  I nodded in agreement.  What I had just agreed to I had only a vague
idea about but I would go along with my lover no matter what.

"Before I return this symbol of honour to the General, Prince Arden and I
have one other ceremonial use for it.  On the 20th day of the 10th month in
the year 1312, King Iason the 7th proclaimed the creation of Crown Prince
Iason's Argoanuts.  Those Argoanuts, as their first of many contributions
to our state, have commissioned a memorial statue, the Ganymede of Parga.
That memorial will not be dedicated or unveiled for some weeks."  All the
while the poor General is on one knee looking up at us.  "Prince Arden was
selected by the Argoanuts to be the model.  Take your pose brother."  I
know I was smiling as I took my pose.  He poked me gently and I put my
hands back on the scabbard.  Iason drew the sward and holding it in his
hands placed the flat of the blade on each of the General's shoulders.
"General you are the first Knight of the Ceremonial Order, Protectors of
the Ganymede of Parga."

While this was happening the Argoanuts who were in the gallery pushed
forward to the rail for a better look.  I could see about 25 or 30 of them.
Iason slipped the sward back into the scabbard and we handed it to the
General.  The look on his face was puzzling at first I was not sure if he
was to cry or shout with joy.  He did neither.  The General rose and bowed
to us.

"I am honoured to accept this symbol of friendship between Florence and
Parga.  I am even more deeply honoured to being named the First Knight of
the Order Protectors of the Ganymede of Parga."

I think he was about to say more but I could see his emotions welling up
when the First Page slipped up behind us and knelt by Prince Karyakos'
side.

"Thank you General and Princes.  I must interrupt the proceedings.
Princes, your mother requests your immediate attendance to her side.  Your
duty here is fully and well discharged.  Go now to a higher duty and attend
your mother."

We ran out of the hall having completed one duty we must now take up
another.  It is easy to bring joy and happiness to others.  It is a perk of
office that both of us enjoy as much as anything, except our privet time
together.  Absolutely nothing exceeds that.  Now the hard part of duty
calls.  We have no experience with this, no knowledge to share between
ourselves or with others.  We knew in our hearts Princess Elpis must be
close or we would not have been summoned.  A boy's mother, even a surrogate
mother, loves him unconditionally and he in turn, loves her
unconditionally.  That much we both understood.

Our philosophy tutor later told us, in closing the public part of the
audience, "Prince Karyakos went on to relate one of his lessons," as my
professor's student, he said in part:

"In the Theaetetus -- after some many pages of showing, that while true
knowledge exists, defining it remains a logical impossibility -- the
unperturbed Socrates, having obtained from young Theaetetus' agreement on
this conclusion, states his own position or role:

`Then supposing you should ever henceforth try to conceive afresh,
Theaetetus, if you succeed, your embryo thoughts will be the better as a
consequence of today's scrutiny, and if you remain barren, you will be
gentler and more agreeable to your companions, having the good sense not to
fancy you know what you do not know.  For that, and no more, is all my art
can effect; nor have I any of that knowledge possessed by all the great and
admirable men of our own day or of the past.  But this midwife's art is a
gift from the gods; my mother had it for women, and I for young men of a
generous spirit and for all in whom beauty dwells.

Now I must go to the portico of the King- Archon to meet the indictment
which Meletus has drawn up against me.  But tomorrow morning, Theaetetrus,
let us meet here again.  The finding of this dialogue -- that every attempt
to arrive at a firm definition of knowledge had proved a failure -- was not
then and is not now a popular conclusion.  Public men above all do not want
uncertainty even hinted at, since it shakes the foundation of all that they
say and do.' (TN: Sounds like little has changed in 3000 years.)

Indeed, Socrates, as he casually remarks, is to be tried for his life by
the public men of Athens for persisting in such subversive offences.
Corruption of youth, I believe is the best way to state it.  Anyone who
declares ignorance to be a universal condition is a mortal threat to those
who live by their pretensions to knowledge, certainty and absolute truth.
A condition most often found in religious leaders, noblemen and tyrants.  A
lesson King Iason, myself and our princes must continually be reminded of.
It is not wrong to believe in a fiction or dilution but morally wrong to
force or strongly encourage others to share it or to cause action upon it
without first acknowledging its lack of, or suspect voracity.

If we turn away from the rhetoric of such disputes, the sophists and
demigods; to take an honest look at our own lives and opinions, and then at
the affairs of the world, we soon admit that Socrates was profoundly
correct.  He has this much knowledge, whatever it's worth.  People fool
themselves and others about what they know, all the time.  A further
recognition would be that while Socrates openly admitted to sharing in the
common ignorance, he was not in the least upset by this condition.  The
Athenian world was having a hard time, but for Socrates life presented no
great problems.  Our world is having a hard time of it too.  It takes all
of our leadership and skills to manage our own lives and I can not say the
problems are small.  They are only as great as we perceive them to be,
however.

He did exactly what he wanted to do with his time, and enjoyed it. He
treated his death sentence almost as a joke, saying in effect to his
judges, `You never touched me! You have only done ill to yourselves.'  Of
us here today none are the stature of Socrates.  Of our sons and the other
young men and women, time alone will be the judge."

The number one page had only just returned to the apartments as we arrived.
Inside we found the ladies, nurses and children all huddled and crying.
The midwifes were busy cleaning up and we could see the evidence of much
blood.  Princess Elpis looked every bit of what she must have been through.
We did not know any details but it had obviously been a difficult birth.
Uncle Iason looked as thought he too had been through it.  Iason and I
later decided he had.  Not the physical pain or difficulties but the
emotional difficulties of seeing one you love suffering and being
powerless.

I took Iason's hand and we approached the bed.  It is a very large bed in
the classic Greek style.  It had a wooden frame, with a high board at the
head and bands of hide laced across, upon which skins were placed.  The
bedstead was veneered with expensive woods, ivory inlayed or veneered with
tortoise-shell and with silver feet. The pillows and coverings were
beautiful made of fine fabrics in many colours and it had a thick matrices
over the leather lacing filled I assumed with feathers.

As we approached her eyes were closed and I assumed she was asleep.  When
we came very close she opened her eyes and half smiled, lifting her hand
which we both took.  We could see she was flushed and feverish, her hand
was almost hot to the touch.

"You are so young my princes, Iason and Arden.  This should not be thrust
upon you, but it is.  The children are in your care, as their older
brothers, love them as I would.  Take special notice of your new brother,
call him Lysandros.  Arden, fetch Father Georgios please.  I kissed her
hand and told her I loved her, and ran to find the page.  When I returned
she said again she love us and made us promise to love each other as our
fathers love each other.

Shortly after Father Georgios, Karyakos, Tertius and Lady Lucia and the
other pages arrived.  Uncle Iason was forced to yield the child from his
arms to the wet-nurse.  Tertius gently took over the situation.  He sent
pages off, one was with the announcement of the new Prince and his name
Lysandros.  Names are not often given to new babies until they reach an age
of several days to a week.  This one was different.  He is a large baby, I
am told, strong and very demanding.  A second wet-nurse was sent for as he
would only sleep for perhaps an hour and then demand food.  Uncle Iason
seemed almost powerless and unable to do anything.  Karyakos comforted him
and when not at his side was at Princess Elpis'.  Tertius instructed the
girls and Helladios to go with Lucia and stay in her apartments with their
cousins.  He and Lucia have two girls younger than me.  I understood
several other births did not survive.  Iason and I took our brothers to our
apartment for the next little while.  I sent a page to inform Ikaros, he
would see that our guests were reassigned to other sleeping places for the
next while, except Odo.  Being only a little older then them I thought he
could be of help.

Nikias was taking all this very badly.  He could just not understand why
daddy was not able to make mommy better.  Why he and the twins couldn't lay
in bed with her like when they were sick and so on.  He did not seem to
understand what the nurses were telling him or maybe he did not want to.
Anyway, I told him Iason and I promised mother that we would take care of
our brothers as she had asked.  That seemed to at least mollify him.

Tertius told us to take the young ones and go ourselves to see our friends
depart the harbour.  Iason seemed to pull himself together and managed to
send a message to the Argoanuts.  We would all go together and sing songs
as the army of Florence boarded the ships to go home.

I took charge of the brothers and Iason took charge to the theatre.  I
guess it was best that way, it gave both of us something to think about.
The Argoanuts were a somber group when we assembled them.  They had
obviously taken her into their hearts as she had them.  They obviously were
feeling our pain and loss too.  Brothers understand brothers, we all
understood duty too.  In our hearts we all knew our mother did not want us
to morn her but to celebrate Lysandros.

Several of the biggest boys stepped up and took the three eight year olds
on their shoulders as we marched to the city plaza.  I must say that we
were an impressive group too.  All 124 of them turned out and with the six
of us in the lead and the three little princes riding on their human
steeds, we turned a druggie into a celebration of boy joy.

As we marched into the plaza we sang Iason the 5th original marching song.
That got everyone's attention.  We were soon joined by a group of palace
boys, the sanctuary men and some I didn't recognize.  The Florentine
solders all saluted us as they marched by and many broke ranks and came to
meet us or to greet their former servants.  The loading took time, soon the
plaza and quays and streets were filled with men.  It did not take long for
the Swiss, Germans and Florentine's to start singing in their languages,
back to us.  Some of the units even put on displays of marching precision
for us and each other.

When the General and the Venetian and Florentine ambassadors came into the
plaza all the army fell silent.  The General came up to us and announced to
his solders that he had received, on their behalf, the highest honour any
man could be given.  He was now the first Knight of the Ceremonial Order,
Protectors of the Ganymede of Parga.  That statue will stand here on this
pedestal.

Iason got that look and before I could do anything he started chanting
Ganymede, Ganymede.  All the Argoanuts follow and just kept chanting until
I stepped up.  Iason then said, "naked brother, like it will be when
finished".  I hesitated and the General said, "please Prince Arden."  I
could not refuse either request so did as asked, I shed my tunic and kilt.
Iason replaced my loral wreath and I took my pose.  Suddenly from behind me
a deep baritone voice spoke the first line of the ode and the Argoanuts
answered by singing it.  I got the feeling they had been preparing and I
was their unwitting accomplices.  He spoke the second and they sung the
second and so on until the entire ode had been completed.  I must say my
arms were getting just a little tired by the end.  Like before this was a
thrilling experience but unlike before the audience was silent, totally
silent.  One of the solders spoke the first line, with a heavy Germanic
accent and all responded in song.  Strangely when they sang in Greek their
accents were almost unnoticeable. The baritone moved around where I could
see him and spoke the second and again all responded this time with the
Argoanuts joining.  That was truly magical.  The Baritone turned out to be
one of the older boys from the North house.  I did not hold my arms up for
the second but joined in the song as well.  This method of singing is not
unlike how we teach the words and tunes to others.  In this setting it was
very powerful and given the number of voices powerfully felt.  (TN: I
believe this type of call and response singing style has a proper name and
I'm sure a long history, but I know it not.  I guess Arden didn't
either. Call and response will need do. See chapter end note for more.)

My little brothers were beside themselves with this.  While sitting on the
shoulders of their personal Argoanuts transport the twins outstretched
their arms imitating me.  I know they wanted to get down and dance.  Dance
for us is almost as important as the music itself but this would not be
safe.  Three small boys among so many men.  We will dance back at the
castle.  We find any reason to dance.  We dance at weddings and festivals,
at births and just any occasion except funerals.  Funerals are all to
common in life.

On our return to the castle we met Father Georgios who was returning to his
church.  He told us Princess Elpis was resting now.  He said she had what
the physicians called birth fever.  Some women survive and some don't.  He
thought it was in god's hands and then added "the physicians had waters
brought from the Temple of Apollo and she seemed to be responding to them
and the potent they had prescribed".  Then he said the most remarkable
thing for a man of his calling, "When you boys began to sing we could hear
it in the castle and when she was told what the source of his mighty sound
was, her fever broke and she seemed much more at ease.  I would like to
believe it was my prayers, her midwife and physician the potent and waters.
I think it was your singing that was the most powerful."  Our hearts were
eased somewhat, but not at ease.


1312, the 11th month, 20th day:

Since the young princes have been staying with us at night, I have had
little time to sit and reflect or record.  This afternoon we took them
riding for several hours and on our return Ikaros bathed them and saw they
were fed in our rooms.  They are now sleeping and Iason and I have at last
some time alone together.  They think it quite humorous that we are more
interested in each other than in playing games with them.  We must ask
Uncle Tertius about this as he must know what they think.  Nikias is their
leader in all but sex where they all seem equal in participation.  Odo is a
frequent visitor to our bed and a willing participant in our mouth games.
The three boys love him as much as us, since he is more willing then we are
to play games with them.

Princess Elpis is recovering and is now able to spend some time with the
children during the day.  I now wonder how my mother managed when I was
born, there is only 5 years and two sisters between my brother Abernath and
myself.  I am sure my father and my grandmothers helped her.  Lysandros
must be fed by the wet-nurses as our mother's milk has dried up.  I noticed
the two wet-nurses are young Palace Girls, one I have seen in Ikaros'
company on occasions.

...................................

From Wikipedia: "In music, a call and response is a succession of two
distinct phrases usually played by different musicians, where the second
phrase is heard as a direct commentary on or response to the first. It
corresponds to the call-and-response pattern in human communication and is
found as a basic element of musical form, such as verse-chorus form, in
many traditions.

European Christian congregations have used such patterns since before the
Middle Ages based in the Greek classics forms from Theatre and Oratory, for
example, in Antiphon and Responsory. In Sub-Saharan African cultures, call
and response is a pervasive pattern of democratic participation--in public
gatherings in the discussion of civic affairs, in religious rituals, as
well as in vocal and instrumental musical expression."


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