A FARMER, an Artisan, and a Labourer went to the King of their

　　country and complained that they were compelled to support a large

　　standing1 army of mere2 consumers, who did nothing for their keep.

　　"Very well," said the King, "my subjects' wishes are the highest

　　law."

　　So he disbanded his army and the consumers became producers also.

　　The sale of their products so brought down prices that farming was

　　ruined, and their skilled and unskilled labour drove the artisans

　　and labourers into the almshouses and highways. In a few years the

　　national distress3 was so great that the Farmer, the Artisan, and

　　the Labourer petitioned the King to reorganize the standing army.

　　"What!" said the King; "you wish to support those idle consumers

　　again?"

　　"No, your Majesty," they replied - "we wish to enlist4."