Justice of Nations

Posted 09:55 GMT
Mangala watched the preparations for the Battle of Baghdad, great movements of men and machines, explosions and fire by day and by night. A figure stalked past, drawing Mangala's attention.

"Thomas Paine! My friend!" Mangala called. "How goest the purest heart of the best of revolutions?" Gesturing, he continued enthusiastically, "What thinkest thou of thy countrymen's great justice?"

Paine sourly surveyed the scene. "No going to law with nations," he snapped. "Cannon are the barristers of Crowns, and the sword, not of justice, but of war, decides the suit."

Jamming his hat down hard on his head, Paine nodded briskly to Mangala, and stalked off in the direction of Philadelphia.