The Young and the Old

"Tell me your troubles young man, and I shall tell you more. I shall tell you of the wars that should never have been fought and of battles that never were. I shall tell you of the Isles of Carmdia and the sweeping dunes of Haraan. I shall tell you of princes and kings and their women slaves. I shall tell you of oxen and plains and rivers so wide no man can cross. Yes, tell me your troubles, you innnocent lad, and I shall tell you of the hell-holes of the world, the foxholes, the pits, the dungeons. You think you have troubles, my son, but now, hear me."

"You, old man? Your feet have long since ceased to walk and your eyes no longer see. You hold a cane in your knargled left hand while with your right you gesture madly and pluck at your withering beard. If ever you had days of glory or of woe, they've long since disappeared. Cease your mutterings and be still."

"Insolent youth! You will learn and as you learn you too will grow old until one day a ghost comes haunting your footsteps. Listen, if you have any grace."

"You lie, grandfather. You are derranged. Take yourself away and leave me be! You cannot know my troubles; you will soon die and have long since lost your wits and memories. I am not so young as you say, but I have more knowledge now than you. What can you, of the ancient ways, tell to me, of the improved?"

"I can tell you nothing if you will not listen, for I too, was young once, and yes, you are so very young, and I know well the bluntness of stupid boys."

"You rant and rave, old one, and you go too far. Leave now or give yourself to Pluto's minions."

"Foolish boy, no better than a pig. You will learn. You will learn!"

"Your time is now, withered one. Leave me!"

"Gladly child. Play well with others."

"Don't miss your grave-time."