at the same instant. This means they are the work of the same person and the same act through a single command, otherwise their correspondence and conformity at the same instant, in the same fashion, of the same sort, would be impossible. In which case, each of these skilfully fashioned things is like a proclamation of that hidden one that points to him. As if each sort of flowered material, each ingenious machine, each sweet mouthful, is a stamp of that miracle-displaying person; a stamp of his, a mark, a decoration; each says through the tongue of disposition: “Whosever work of art I am, the boxes and shops where I am found are also his property.” Each inscription says: “Whoever wove me also wove the roll of cloth of which I am a part.” Every sweet mouthful says: “Whoever makes me and cooks me, the cauldron in which I am is also his.” And every machine says: “Whoever made me, also makes all those like me who have spread throughout the land, and the one who raises us in every part of it, is also he. This means he is also the country’s owner. In which case, whoever the owner of all this country and palace is, he may be our owner too.”

For example, in order to be the true owner of a single cartridge-belt or even a button belonging to the government, one also has to own all the factories in which they are made. If a bragging irregular soldier claims otherwise, he will be told: “They are government property.” They will be taken from him and he will be punished.

In Short: Just as the elements in this country all surround and encompass it and their owner can only be the owner of the whole country, in the same way, since the works of art that are spread throughout it resemble one another and display a single stamp, they show that they are the art of one single person who governs everything.

My friend! There is a sign of oneness, a stamp of unity, in this country, that is, this magnificent palace. For while being the same, certain things are all-encompassing. And while being numerous, some display a unity or similarity, since they resemble one another and are found everywhere. As for unity, it shows One of Unity. This means that this country’s maker, owner, lord, and fashioner has to be one and the same. In addition, look carefully at this: from behind the veil of the unseen a thickish string has appeared. [^15] Now look, thousands of strings have hung down from it. And see the tips of the strings: to each is attached a diamond, a decoration, a favour, a gift. Suitable presents are being given to everyone. Do you know what a lunatic

[^15]:The thickish string alludes to fruit-bearing trees, the thousands of strings indicate their branches, and the diamonds, decorations, favours, and gifts allude to the varieties of blossoms and fruits.