Arden by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)
77: New Graduates, Old Problems
Continued from: 1320, 6th month, 6th day
I see no reason why this same principal can not be used to make or magnify the small. I got up and returned with a single lens holding it to a piece of cloth. See the cloth is made up of threads. We knew that, we have seen weavers weaving but look closer each thread is made of even smaller threads. We knew that too, we have seem spinners spin. Helo ran out of the room and we all talked further. When he returned he had a small container of water. It was from a small pond in the castle garden. The pond is covered with a yellow-green scum, which comes from the pine trees.
When we looked at it under the lens, it could be seen clearly that the scum was made up of many round grains. These grains had a texture and were not as smooth as one might think. "Pine tree pollen", Edward stated, "I never knew it looked like that. See it is many tiny spheres. They appear to be loosely stuck together." He and Helo ran out with the lens. They did not return for some time. When they did return Helo was with Umar and Edward.
"Look daddy, I drew the pollen from different flowers. Each one is different in color and shape and of course size. Helo held the lens for me and Edward told me the names of each plant."
His sketches were wonderful. He drew the flower, the leaves and stems and the pollen grains.
Justus resolved to visit the university and the Academia to learn if lenses could be devised to see the very small. Kastor thought Umar should take his drawings to the artists and see if any were interested in making detailed drawings of the plants in the gardens. Edward thought it would be a worthy study. He thought that detailed drawings of the hubris, for example, would aid in identification when combined with descriptions.
I thought they might also aid in identifying different varieties of vegetables and that the seeds should also be included with the flower, stem and leaves, roots and fruit in different stages of development, even dried. Iason thought we should enlist a scribe to record the descriptions. Helo then turned his attention to some of those pesky insects, finding dead mosquitos and flies. They were most fascinating when viewed under the lens. Umar began sketching and soon had large winged creatures with many legs and strange heads, long snouts and long feelers.
This is most fascinating. I suspect we have opened two and probably more areas of study. Nikias was greatly interested in this but contributed little but praise. I could see he was thinking over what we were seeing and recording. He will let us know his thoughts when ready.
Father and Uncle joined us. The boys were proud to show them what they had learned and discovered. While we talked I could see Father was formulating an idea. He shows this by looking off while listening he is not truly paying attention. Uncle recognized this as well and after a time bid Father to share his toughs with us.
When he spoke he shocked and delighted us all, even Uncle. Father and Uncle sat on the floor resting their bottoms on a cushion. All were seated around, many also on the floor. When they do this it is a signal that the most powerful Prince in the land is setting his power aside and everyone from the oldest to the youngest was to have equal say. I know his technique for he has taught it to us. It means his idea is not yet fully formulated and open to influence and inspiration.
"I think we should make some changes in how our university is organized. We should have professors that study and teach, each specializing in some specific area of interest. For example, I think we need someone that specializes in insects, another in small animals and yet another in large animals." Perhaps one in fishes. "Yes, and plants, rocks, maps, optics and so on. The General is one, he specializes in military history, while others do history in a more general way. We need both. We must also guard against professors or departments becoming too introspective, that they know little or nothing about anything else."
Karyakos took over, "We now require students to take a range of courses in addition to their specialty. I think we need to expand that so the student takes no more than 1/3 of his course work in a specialty. We also think that every professor be required to teach at least one non specialist course each year. To that end we would have different departments for example: Living Science,Physical Science, Chemical Science, Geography, Mathematics, Philosophy and Religion (TN: Metaphysics?), History, Greek and other Languages, Engineering, Art and Music, Law and Medicine.
Specializations such as surveying, agriculture, accounting and so on would be centered at the Academia. Basic courses could be shared between them."
Much discussion followed this and everyone gave a host of ideas. The younger boys and our guardians did not contribute as much as those of us studying or having studied at the university. Hesiodos thought medicine should include at least one or two terms of other courses in addition to it's own and the related sciences. Several thought Art and Music should be at the Academia.
Nikias spoke at last, "I think we should develop a kind of museum that records and preserves examples of the different plants, insects, rocks and so on. The collections should be as complete as possible. Each subject should have a large book with these drawings and written descriptions recording that which is being preserved. A library of things instead of books and scrolls." That suggestion generated much discussion. Kastor suggested that Panther assist Nikias in developing his ideas and look after this project until Nikias returned. Father nodded his approval indicating that he would use his power should Panther require it. Knowing Panther I am sure he will not require much if any.
Edward thought he should make collections of dried plants and drawings, of those he encountered on our travels, things that do not grow here. Umar, his art touter and Nikias, perhaps could assist him. He feels his drawing abilities are too limited.
I believe our man of the prodigious member is beginning to look for a wife. He has not said anything but I have noticed his eye roving toward the ladies. I suspect he is desirous of a family. We or better put I, would rather he remained in our family and fathered his children as I do.
1320, 6th month, 6th day
We four received our degrees from the university yesterday. It was a simple ceremony with all the students and professors in attendance. Our entire family was on hand including a large group from Koalhurst. King Iason gave a short speech. He said he was pleased that the four older princes all received their degrees at the same time. That we have started a tradition in Parga, that younger and future princes need head, receiving a quality education would foster quality leadership. He was proud that such a fine school carried his name and of the quality graduates that have gone before us, are with us and will follow us. He was pleased that of the 100 graduates today, 25 of them were women. Parga is the first university in the world, that he knew of, to grant degrees to women. That these women have proven to everyone, including themselves, they can and will make, as valuable a contribution to our society as men. He looked forward to a day when every citizen of Parga has the means to become all they desire and are capable of.
He pointed out that Plato and others believed that this was possible. "They considered it so since they excluded women from citizenship and built the city state on an economic foundation of slavery. Plato did invite women into his school and I suspect had ideas closer to ours. Parga has always been different from other Greek city states. We have always considered women as citizens and we have never had or allowed slavery, we are a free people. Every year, for as many as we have kept records, we see improvement or increase in our economy. Our collective wealth has increased steadily. We have boosted for many years that no person in Parga lacks food, basic clothing, shelter or education. Our collective wealth is as great or greater them most other small places. Our wealthiest citizens are poor in comparison to other places and our poorest are wealthy when compared to the poor of other places.
Parga is a democratic republic, governed by its people for their benefit, not for the benefit of a few nobles or some special class. It is a place of common well being. That is not to say all share equally. All are equal before the law and all have the title of citizen. This society provides a basic level of the two most important needs every person has, food and shelter. In addition: education, medical care and opportunity are available to all. Each and every one benefits from and enjoys the fruits of his labors. That does not mean we are a perfect society filled with perfect people. It is not to say no improvement is need or desired. It is not to say that we are some how better or more hard working than other peoples. It is to say that we recognize Parga faces difficulties and challenges. It is to say by working together in the future, as we have in the past, these too will be overcome.
Parga, as does other places, strives to meet some ideal state of existence. That ideal is not uniformly understood. That we strive toward meeting an ideal is accepted by all. Some believe that if only we would do as they suggest, their vision or ideal would be achieved. Most ideals are so constructed that achieving any of them would be impossible. First we would all, each and every one, need agree completely on what that ideal is. If I have learned anything about the nature of us men, that will never happen. I suspect that if it ever did the citizens of Parga would soon become dissatisfied and desire some new ideal. That is probably why these ideals are proposed as they are. The striving is more important and useful than achieving. It is like Prince Arden's running times. Once his record time is matched and exceeded what then? Is all competition to stop. No, a new record is established and others now strive to better it. This suggests that ideals are not ever fixed but always changing. Once matched a new one is immediately set. Learning and education are like that too. Just when any of you think you know all that is to be know about anything, you will discover something new. Learning is life long. Your education has not finished today. My experience suggests it is just beginning.
It would be simple for me to declare that Parga is the best place in the world to live. That its people are superior to all others. I can not say these things. I do not know all places or peoples in the world. I can and do say Parga and its people are the best that I know. I can say Karyakos and I are proud to be your King and Consort. We are proud because we represent you.
One other difference needs be spoken of. In Parga, as in most other places we know of, the people show respect to office. In a polite and civil society that is expected. In Parga we princes receive that and we strive to return it; that I assure you is not often found in the outside world. In Parga we princes receive something else that is not often found, a strong respect, even love, for the person in that office. That respect is not expected, it is freely given because it is earned. And again from observation, returned."
I can only hop that when my turn comes to make such speeches I will approach Uncle Iason's eloquence.
1320, 6th month, 7th day
Captains Euthymins and Eutukos joined us this morning at our breakfast. This was not just a social visit. Captain Euthymins commands the Koalhurst Long Bows, which are still stationed near Sarakiniko. He had quite a story to tell. Several days past Polykarpos came to his camp telling him that he had rescued a young man of 16 with 3 younger siblings. The family was near death from lack of water and food. They had been on the sea for about a week. The young man was wounded and unable to sail the boat. The younger children lacked the skills and strength. They were adrift when Polykarpos found them.
Polykarpos' family is looking after the two young children and the oldest sister is tending to her brother, who is not recovering very well, they are in the home of another family. "Polykarpos told us the young man fears for the life of his siblings." We do not know the whole story. It is the older sister, a girl of about 14 that speaks for them. "We think you should bring the family to the city as quickly as possible," Eutukos said.
"Why did you not bring them with you Euthymins," Kastor asked?
"The young man would not last the journey and no fishermen or boats are in the harbor."
"Then we will just need send one from here. I will make a signal to that effect and order the transport," Iason proclaimed.
Before he could do that a page came and summoned him to his wife, as she was now giving birth to his first born. Iason looked at me and I nodded agreement, he departed. I summoned a ship, the Princess Eudoxia to cary out this mission, by sending a message with one of the female pages.
Lyuben interjected, "Have the young man taken straight to the hospital and the younger children to stay with my mother when they arrive."
He hurried off to make those arrangements. It makes sense as Dios and Agapios live in the castle and the girls are still with Lady Lucia. Having that business settled Euthymins reminded me to visit his unit before I sailed for England.
I checked into the preparations for our pending departure, the up coming soloists athletic games and the need for my court to sit.
Of late Kerion has been settling many disputes, those not needing a trial, without involving me. He has learned my approach to these matters well and quickly. The essence of it is a single-minded study of the problem, combined with fairness.
Just before our mid day meal Iason announced the birth of a son. My beloved was his jovial and modest self, noting it was Sophia that did all the work and his part was little more than sharing the pleasure. Sosigenes and Uncle Iason were most joyful. Lady Melitta was with Sophia and I assume pleased.
The Princess Eudoxia docked just as the sun was setting. I saw a group of Eagles leaving the castle just before that. Our personal assistants and the chamber boys have prepared a bed for Iason and I to share. This will be the first time in many weeks that we will sleep alone.
1320, 6th month, 9th day
We visited the hospital this morning. The young man was fairing a little better although he had been seriously wounded and it will take some time for him to properly heal. We then visited the sister and younger children. She told us her brother, a goat heard, came home to find her being harassed by a soldier.
Lyuben's mother interjected, "she was being raped and her brother killed the bastrad with his own sword".
Even being wounded, he gathered up his siblings and stealing a fishing boat, made for the mainland. This took place on the southern end of Kirkira Island. He rightly feared that killing a soldier, reason aside, would see him in great difficulty.
Polykarpos had told them that his friend Prince Arden would surely help and protect them. In that he was quite correct, a message I reinforced. She also told me her parents had died several months past, a result of some fever that ravaged their village.
I gave Lyuben some coins to purchase clothing and food for the children. The girl was much concerned that the fishing boat be returned to their village. I assured her I would see to it and asked her to write a letter of explanation to accompany it. She could not read or write so Lyuben would do it for her. Explain all that happened and that these children are now under the protection of Prince Arden. Explain, the boat was barrowed without permission for which apologies are being made. Include a gold coin.
Hy came in with Onesimos. Ones had come to offer his services. It was obvious he was most taken by this young lady. I think she also him, as his offer to escort her to the hospital was immediately accepted. Love at first sight, something the poets write about but I had never witnessed before. Romantic love is also something Plato talked favorably about in the Republic.
1320, 6th month, 11th day
Nikias, Joulous and I visited the hospital. This time our injured goat heard was in better spirits and better health. Deimos smiled as we approached. "Princes, how can I thank your for all the kindness you have shown to my family and myself?"
"By healing well and soon so Stephnos can create a good story of your adventures," Nikias told him. Joulous was a bit more perceptive then Nikias and I. "Tell me Deimos what troubles you?"
"That soldier I killed, he had friends, what if they come after me?"
Nikias laughed, "Do they too have a death wish? This is Parga not a Velencian colony. You are under our protection and that is about as good as is possible."
"Onesimos visits with your sister, ask him what it means to be a ward of our father," Joulous added.
I know the laws of Venice and defending your sister's honor is not against them. You did nothing wrong. You did what was expected of an older brother.
"That soldier was a coward. It is men like that which give our profession a poor name. The venetian army is better off with out him. The brave and honorable do not force their lust on children," Pyrros added.
Pyrros is correct, would it make you feel better if the Velencian Ambassador visited you presenting an award of heroism?
"I am just a simple goat heard."
No Deimos you are a ward of the King and as such entitled to all the respect any citizen of Parga commands. You are a free man. Being younger than 18 years you are considered a child of the crown and the King is your father and guardian. You are answerable to him as you were to your birth father. King Iason has often said our children are our greatest treasure. Ask Onesimos or Lyuben how he protects that treasure.
To us it matters not what a man's profession but how well he does it.
"Rest easy friend, my father will meet with you when your strength returns," Nikias told him.
"What will become of my sisters and brother?"
Joulous answered, "Children under 12 are almost always placed with a foster family. One close to the castle so Father can keep an eye on them. Many of the foster families were wards of our father or grandfather. Boys over twelve are placed with the Argonauts or the Palace Boys and girls with the Eagles or Palace Girls. Those over 12 do have a say."
Deimos was quite confused so we explained much to him. I am sure he will choose the Argonauts.
The sex this evening was even better then normal. I am not sure how that is, it just was. Dios was riding Iason's member and I could see his round white globes being spilt by Iason's large penis. Dios for his part had his right hand on Iason's erection working it with a master's skill. I think we are all masters at that by 13. The sight was most stimulating and I quickly rounded up (TN: Arden wrote located, I think rounded up sounds better in modern English.) Nikias.
1320, 6th month, 14th day
Iason is settling down some. His son is healthy and he claims recognizes his daddy. I am not convinced of this. He recognizes adults that tend his needs. I think it takes about three weeks before babies recognize others then their mothers or nurse. Iason is now living with us again as Sophia is both recovering from her labor, which was mighty to hear tell and feeding little Iason. He will be proclaimed in two days. The King will make this announcement in the council; Sophia and the baby are expected to attend.
Father told me that when my Iason's grandfather announced his birth he screamed the entire time. The assumption at the time was this prince will be a great orator. Little did they know how great he would become.
Deimos and his siblings were presented to Father and Uncle. The younger ones, a boy of seven and a girl of 5 were immediately won over to them. Eutukos and his wife will be the foster parents for them. The woman is not able to bare children of her own. Eutukos knew this when they married. I am sure they will be loved all the more because of it.
Deimos was unsure of what to do so Uncle suggested he join the Argonauts with the understanding, that should that be unsatisfactory he would be reassigned. The older girl will join the Eagles. That is good as they stay in the Castle, unlike the Argonauts, she will be close to her younger siblings and to Onesimos. Father suggested that the opportunity for them to socialize was dependent on Onesimos' progress in his schooling. I figure that a sound incentive.
Odo will surely write several love poems about this. Deimos is a well built lad with very broad shoulders and the narrowest of middle. He has small but prominent buttocks. His face is pleasant to look at and he has large, dark eyes. He is not tall like me but not small either. I would guess normal. He has a spirit and quiet confidence about him. We know he has courage and a strong sense of duty. When asked, he expressed trepidation that his goats would not receive proper care. Lyuben show the letter he had written to the fishing boat owner. The letter, 1 gold coin and the boat were already sent. Father suggested a copy of the letter be given to the Ambassador along with a request for information about the goats.
In the letter Deimos apologized for taking the boat without asking but he was afraid for his siblings and time was of the essence. He explained why he killed the soldier and why he ran away, fearing retribution from the dead man's companions. He does not apologize for killing the man. He does fervently wish it had not come to that, but it did. He also explained the time delay describing their experience adrift at sea and saying Prince Arden had given him the coin to pass on and arranged for the letter and the return of the boat.
Iason welcomed him to the Argonauts. I think this good. The Argonauts have considerable experience in teaching older children to read, write and do mathematics.
I must say the sister, Xene was a most impressive young woman. She is shapely and very pleasant to look at. Moreover she has spirit and poise to match her brother. I am sure she will make a good Eagle. It is obvious why Onesimos is so taken by her.
Word came that Eudoxia was now in labor. Damao will fill in for Alexandros and his fathers. I am not sure who is more excited the new father or the new grandfathers. I think the latter.
1320, 6th month, 16th day
Alex and Eudoxia had a lovely girl yesterday. They intend to name her Elpis. This pleases everyone. Melitta is overjoyed to be an aunt. She has confided in me that since Eudoxia is now a mother the pressure for her to marry will be much reduced. Not that Uncle has placed any on her as yet. She likes boys but does not wish to have a family. I suspect that may change in the future. Many young women say they do not want children. Nature seems to have other ideas and even women who love women often want children. Judging from her performance as a Page she has considerable potential outside of the home. I also know she is a bit envious of her brothers and their opportunities for adventure. Perhaps some accommodation can be made for her and others like her. I will think on this. It is the philosophers duty to address such questions. That is how I see my part in this.
Uncle Iason was most pleased of all, he could think of no more fitting tribute to his late wife. In the baths he did comment that he was most fortunate that Iason has no female equal; otherwise the land would be overrun by people with that name. I know he was only joking. Iason is and always has been a popular name; the name of the king, especially one loved as all the Iasons have been, adds to that popularity.
Kastor commented that Arden is now a very popular name in Parga. Probably as popular as Kastor. I know I turned red again since all the younger boys were chiding me.
1320, 6th month, 17th day
Deimos, Xene and the two younger children were all received by the King this morning. He and Father sent us all away for a long privet chat with their new wards. As I suspect the two younger children will be cared for by Eutukos and his wife, not as foster children but they will be adopted by them. Deimos and Xene will join the Argonauts and Eagles.
When we arrived for our mid day meal they were sitting with Karyakos and the Velencian Ambassador. I do not know all that was said but I did overhear the ambassador say he would personally look into Deimos' goat heard, that they were being properly looked after.
This afternoon I met with all the distance runners in preparation for the coming races. Myron trains by running from his home to the castle and back every day. I must say I am very much impressed with his style and his times. He will not yet win my records. In a few years, if he keeps up, they will fall to him. Dios and the others are all expected to perform well or very well in their age groupings.
After our training the athletes joined me and my brothers in our baths. Myron is most handsome and I must admit brings on a mighty erection between my legs. One I managed by filling his anus. I know we were both happy with that result as we are with his running.