THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL (THE LAMANITE)

1Then Hementim looked upon Shi-Tugo with favor, and he, her. For Hementim saw in him a great leader, even one who could command men. And behold, they would do his commands! Yet, she also saw that he was wise in the workings of men. For he knew that, should the people of Hagoth establish themselves after the manner of the Nephites in the Land Southward, they would fall into a pit. Yea, for even as they debated these things, all the people knew that the robbers were becoming strong in all the land. Wherefore, the men who ruled and judged in the Land of our Fathers, yea, and even in many places where the people had established themselves in the Land Northward, were easily made corrupt by the flattery of the Gadiantons.

2For this was the manner in which the robbers gained power in all the cities. They first flattered the lesser judges and then they bribed them. Then they enticed them with promises of elevation, substance and power. Thus, their judgment became corrupt. Wherefore, each man, seeing that he could not find justice before the judges, began to seek his own remedy, and thus ended speedily the rule of equity and law.

3Then did the robbers gain greater control over the people. For they pointed out the failings of the system and the judges, even though they themselves were the cause of their failure, and excited the people to rebellion and to the raising up of their exciters to the judgment seats. In this way, the robbers established themselves.

4Wherefore, Hementim saw that a flaw existed in the system of judges by which the Nephites governed themselves, and that the people of Hagoth needed some modification of the system, else they would continue to do as the Nephites had done.

5But Hementim knew that, although she was esteemed highly among the people, she was a woman among a race that had always been ruled by men. Notwithstanding that the people called her name holy and sought her counsel as a prophetess of God, nevertheless, in matters of government, the woman had no voice, and she grieved that the people of Hagoth might wax gross as the people of the Land Southward.

6Now, when she saw that the great man, a warrior and a captain of hundreds, would also change the system, she rejoiced in her heart. For she believed Shi-Tugo, that the mothers would not be as easily corruptible and that they would choose those less corruptible to judge in the Councils. And she rejoiced the further that all the people listened to the words of Shi-Tugo and made modification of the system of governance. For, she believed that the change which he had proposed, and to which the people had consented, would some day save them from the threat of the robbers.

7Yea, Hementim did look upon Shi-Tugo with exceedingly great favor and Hemen, her father, seeing this, rejoiced also in his heart. For he had despaired of his daughter ever finding a man who was her equal and with whom she might build a life.

8Wherefore, Hemen, the Healer, spoke to Shi-Tugo privily and beseeched him regarding his daughter, saying:

9Do you not see that I have a daughter that is precious to me?

10And Shi-Tugo answered him:

11Yea, Hemen, you will recall that I did look upon your daughter in earlier days with much favor, but you dissuaded me saying, she is dear to me.

12Whereupon Hemen continued:

13Yea, my daughter is a great comfort to me and to this whole people. Behold, have you not heard the people call her prophetess?

14And Shi-Tugo answered him carefully:

15Yea, Hemen. Your daughter is the jewel of this people. Even I have spoken with her often and have heard her wisdom. In all things she is guided by the voice of God. Wherefore, her people do rejoice in her rightly, and cherish her. She is an ensample to all those among women whom the Lord does call to His service and to His priesthood.

16And Hemen answered, saying:

17You speak well the feelings of all the people, Shi-Tugo. Verily, the people do greatly esteem my daughter. But she is steadfast in her desire for my comfort even over her own. Many have said, and almost I believe it, that the daughter of Hemen shall never wed and the race of Hemen will disappear from off the face of the earth.

18Now, hearing these words, Shi-Tugo was grieved and his countenance fell. But this thing pleased Hemen and he continued encouraged, saying:

19Tell me not that you no longer esteem my daughter, Shi-Tugo.

20Then with downcast face, Shi-Tugo praised Hementim to her father, saying:

21Hementim is the Guide Star and governs all the constellations. I would that she would look upon me, but I know that she is as far from me as that Guide Star is from the ground upon which I stand.

22Then Hemen said:

23Nay, Shi-Tugo, think not so basely of yourself. For, I am her father and know her thoughts. And have I not seen her find much favor in you of late? Yea, can one such as her not have heard the Spirit of God speaking though you? Can a prophetess not discern a prophet?

24Then did Shi-Tugo take great courage and entreated Hementim to be his wife, and she consented. Then was the wonder of all the people complete and then was their joy in them made full. For the race of Hemen and of Hementim would go on. And also, the strength of Shi-Tugo would continue. Then did all the people of Hahgohtl feel a premonition that they would all prosper exceedingly in the new land to which the Lord had led them, and they rejoiced.