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It came to pass, in the days that were before us, that a vessel of small size did spread its white sails over the far sea. Wind and storm stood in its way, as it steered toward a waste land and desolate. But behold, her people said, "Here will we abide forever, that we may be free—we, and our children after us."

So they cut branches from the trees of the forest, and built unto themselves booths, and became dwellers among the heathen. Great perils had they from scarceness of bread; and when the snows of winter fell, and frost turned the waters to stone, divers of them died, and were buried. Yet the residue of them repined not, but trusted in God.

So, after many days, they multiplied in the land, and sowed corn, and had cattle, and waxed strong. In the time of their famine, and likewise of their prosperity, among their chief comforts was a plant from a far country toward the rising sun, which they called Tea. Its dried leaves were precious in their sight; and some accounted the infusion thereof better than the blood of the vine.

Now, it came to pass, that beyond the great waters was a mighty realm, calling herself their Mother. And she spake, saying: "Of this tea drink ye as much as your soul desireth; ye, and your wives, and also your