Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

Page 7 text:

A small missive tacked to the door said: Back in Quarter of an Hour It will serve us to wait, said Zealos. Verily, ye Armourer has betaken himself to procure fine stuffs to clothe and pro- tect the knights withall. Indifferaunce grumbled. It was a full hour before the Armourer, a small man of mas- sive girth, returned, wiping his lips with a napkin. Gentlemen, what can I do for you? asked the Armourer briskly. Zealos saluted him and proclaimed in a sentorian voice: Most worthy Armourer! We come before you embarked upon a most awesome and holy mission and are in need full sore of the noble tools of weaponry, as befit three stout knights errant. You want the full get-up? asked the Armourer. Then come right in.

Page 6 text:

And it came to pass that the road to the Ineffable Wisdom had been lost by the gentle people of Danciger. Yearning for the security and confidence that such wisdom brings, the people of Danciger selected three young knights to seek out the Great Belquinor, Scion of Avihsey, for it was said that he alone held the secret to the Ineffable Wisdom. The three knights were Piouse, Zealos, and Indifferaunce. Piouse was a studious, bookwormish sort, who although hardly warlike, was always able to defend himself when at- tacked. Yet, he always preferred the cloister to the battlefield. Having had religious instruction all his life, he was the most learned of the three, but also the most cautious. Zealos, having discovered religion relatively late in life, made up for it by his defense of the religion against all who would scoff or degrade it. He knew less of religious lore than did Piouse, and was not so experienced a warrior as the third knight, Indifferaunce. Yet, his fervor and emotional approach more than made up for these deficiencies. Like Piouse, Indifferaunce had had religious instruction all his life, but had developed a different attitude toward it. He realized that religion alone was not enough, and had, in the past, been disillusioned by what he felt were expressions of hypocrisy among those whom he had considered devout. This experience had given Indifferaunce a cynical approach to life. Often he mocked Zealos ' enthusiastic approach to religion, or Piouse ' s caution and exactness, but deep inside, he felt a strong tie to them. Needing supplies and armour for their quest, the three bold knights turned their steps toward the Royal Armoury, a small, dingy hut, with a larg e signboard proclaiming in gold letters: YE ROY ALL ARMOURIE Discounts Large Prices Smalle To Ye Armourie Come Ye All Verily, mused Piouse, An had the Armourer lavished half the money he burgeoned on this sign, the Armoury would be full twice the present size, and a far more pleasant place than it be now.

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He unlocked the door and ushered in the trio. Once inside, the knights saw shelves stacked with tarnished armour cov- ered with yellow USED strips, and shiny new armour, gleaming silver in the dim light. When Indif feraunce touched them, the silvery paint came off on his hands. ' Don ' t touch the stuff, my friend, said the Armourer, I ' ll be with you in a minute. After an hour had passed, each knight held a full suit of armour. Yet, nothing matched. It was all a strange combination of used and new equipment. The knights looked at each other shyly, feeling like fools. Now, exclaimed the Armourer, We can talk price. You, my friend (pointing to Piouse) owe me ten crowns, four shill- ings, and sixpence. ' So much? implored Piouse. But for that price I could procure a new set of armour. I came to you because it is said you give discounts. My friend, said the Armourer, I charge the same prices as anyone else. But why do you add percentages? Why sixpence extra? asked Zealos. That ' s royal tax, queen ' s tax, and quest tax. . Then you also charge tax! cried Zealos. I do not charge tax, said the Armourer, patiently. I collect it. Do you want the armour or don ' t you? ' Its so expensive, murmured Piouse. Enough! shouted the Armourer. Take it off and get out.