Chapter 1

THE HISTORY OF A VASE

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1 I was resting under the shadow of the Mambre Oak next to my tent, when I saw one of the servants of
my nephew Lot arrive hurriedly. Almost out of breath, he began to tell me about the tragedy: There was
a battle between the cities of the plains the day before, involving four kings against five. As a result,
Sodom was defeated and many of its inhabitants taken captive, including my nephew Lot. The news left
me very distressed, because at the same time that I felt it was necessary to come out to his aid, I was
fragile, without any conditions.
2 I was always a peaceful man and I hate those who shed blood. I have many servants, but few know
how to handle swords and spears, since childhood they have been trained as shepherds. Instead of
swords and spears, they handle curbs with which they lead the flocks; Instead of shields, they carry
glasses on their waists, always full of fresh water, to kill their thirst and refresh the afflicted sheep;
Instead of wine to get drunk, they load subject to their belts small pots with olive oil, with which they
anoint the wounds of the flock; Instead of resonating trumpets, they blow in small horns, with which
they summon the flock to the corral.
3 Imagining what a battle would be like between my servants and the armies of those five victorious
kings, I began to laugh. While I was reflecting, the voice of the One who always guides me echoed in my
ears, saying: