We shall not report it to any men."
They raised their hands to their ears,
for never had they heard such words as these.
"International 4-8818," we asked, "will you report us
to the Council and see us lashed to death before your eyes?"
They stood straight all of a sudden and they answered:
"Rather would we die."
"Then," we said, "keep silent. This place is ours.
This place belongs to us, Equality 7-2521, and to
no other men on earth. And if ever we surrender it,
we shall surrender our life with it also."
Then we saw that the eyes of International 4-8818
were full to the lids with tears they dared not drop.
They whispered, and their voice trembled, so that
their words lost all shape:
"The will of the Council is above all things,
for it is the will of our brothers, which is holy.
But if you wish it so, we shall obey you.
Rather shall we be evil with you than good
with all our brothers. May the Council
have mercy upon both our hearts!"
Then we walked away together and back
to the Home of the Street Sweepers.
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