THE KING'S MIRROR 161 



XXIII 



THE PROPER SEASON FOR NAVIGATION. 

 END OF THE FIRST PART 



Son. I did wisely to continue my inquiries when we 

 had our last talk; for you have given replies which will 

 be useful as well as instructive for all who have the 

 sense to understand and profit by such matters as we 

 have discussed. But I wish to ask you again to tell me 

 briefly how early in the spring and at what stated time 

 you think one may venture to travel over-seas to other I 

 shores, just as I asked in my earlier inquiries. y 



Father. [Men may venture out upon almost any sea J f 

 except the largest as early as the beginning of April. 

 For at the time when we date the sixteenth of March,J 

 the days lengthen, the sun rises higher, and the nights 

 grow shorter. The north wind gently clears up the face 

 of heaven with a light and cool breeze, brushes away 



the restless and storm-laden clouds, and j?vith blithe per- -i /> , 



' 

 suasiveness asks for a new covenant. Then peace is re- V 



newed among the winds, for they all yearn for rest after \ 

 the season of violent wrath and wearisome blasts fj so > 

 they make a covenant once more in the way that we 

 told earlier when we described the peace making. The 

 showers cease, the waves sink to rest, the breakers flag, 

 the swell of the noisy ocean dies away, all the storms 

 weaken, and quiet follows upon restless turmoil. 



Now I have done as you requested: I have pointed 

 out the seasons with definite dates both in spring and 

 fall, when it seems most advisable to brave the perils' 

 of the sea. I have also informed you as to the times that 





