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CHAPTER XIII.

THE BEGINNING OF THE FIFTH MONARCHY.

From this time all my exertions were directed to the accomplishment of a
radical reform throughout the country. I commenced by improving their
mode of warfare, in exercising the young men in riding, fencing and
shooting. My constant labor was rewarded so well that, in a short time,
I exhibited before the emperor six thousand horsemen.

At this period the Tanaquites were preparing for a new attack upon the
Quamites, on account of the refusal of this latter people to pay a
yearly tribute which had been several times demanded and as often
denied. I went, at the emperor's desire, with my cavalry and some
footmen to meet the invaders. To the infantry I gave javelins and
arrows, that they might fight their enemies at a distance; for the
Quamites had formerly used only short swords or poignards, and
consequently were obliged to meet in close combat their frightful foes,
the Tanaquites, who excelling them greatly in personal strength, had
great advantage over them. Hearing that the enemy were approaching the
boundary, as commander-in-chief, I repaired instantly towards them. On
meeting the invaders I caused the footmen to attack them with their
javelins; this put them into panic and flight, and determined the fate
of the day. The enemy suffered a terrible defeat and the Tanaquitic
leader, with twenty other noble tigers, were taken prisoners alive and
carried in triumph to Quama. It is not possible to describe the general
and tumultuous joy that filled the whole country for this glorious
victory; because in former wars the Quamites had generally been obliged
to lay down their arms. The emperor commanded the prisoners to be
immediately executed, according to old custom; but considering this a
horrible custom, I persuaded him to respite them, and put them in prison
for further deliberation.

I had observed that this land was very rich in saltpetre, and had
collected a considerable quantity for the purpose of making powder. This
intention I had kept secret, however, from all except the emperor, whose
permission I needed to establish manufactories for rifles and other
guns. With the aid of these I hoped in a short time to subdue all the
enemies of the empire. When I had finished some hundred rifles and
prepared balls suitable for them, I made a trial of my project to the
astonishment of all. A certain number of soldiers were selected to learn
this military art, an