THE FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL (THE LAMANITE)

1Now, it was during this time that Hementim conceived and was with child. Wherefore, they determined that they would remain with Corianton until the child should be born and grow a little.

2For, the journey back to the Nem was long, and they feared that, ere the mother and child recover and gain their strength, some mischief might come of it if they took their journey to return too soon after that Hementim was delivered. Wherefore, they did remain with Corianton and Isabel for the space of three years.

3And during the time they remained in the city of Corianton, Shi-Tugo became exceedingly skilled in the manner of building employed by the people of Corianton and also he did learn to fashion the cloth used in the building of their homes and buildings, and this cloth was fashioned of the bark of a certain tree. And Hementim taught the art of the Healer to many in the house of Corianton and in the city.

4Hemen did study the writing of the people and did teach unto them the history of Hagoth and of the Nem. Yea, and thus did they spend their time, and happy and prosperous were all their days while in the city of Corianton.

5And Hementim brought forth a daughter and called her name Cumenca. This same Cumenca was my mother. And when the mother and child were sufficiently strong, they gathered a delegation of the people of Corianton and they took once again their journey toward home. And so large was the delegation, and so numerous the wagons, that they appeared as a small army upon the ground. Yea, for Corianton desired to end his exile and that of his people, and to come once again into contact with other peoples. Wherefore, he sent many emissaries and much trade with them.

6Now, this caused no small stir among the Nem when they arrived again into the part of the country wherein they had built their settlements. For, they appeared as an army and some fear went up among the Nem.

7But behold, Shi-Tugo, seeing that the Nem did come out to meet them, discerned their fear, and he caused that his own standard be lifted up. Now, when the Nem saw the device of Shi-Tugo flying before the host, they were filled with joy. And behold, the rumor of it raced from house to house, and all the people came out to greet the returning sojourners. And their joy at the return of their beloved ones was so great that they came out singing and with much sounding of trumps and beating of drums.

8And they met them on the plain on the east of the principle settlement of the Nem and behold, all the people were present. Wherefore, the travelers were also filled with joy at the sight, and the people of Corianton who were with them marveled at the sight.

9And behold, this is the history of the union of the Nem and the people of Corianton. For, when, after a season of trade and commerce, Corianton caused that his people be joined with the Nem and they all became one people and one nation. And this nation began to grow very quickly and settlements and villages began to spread out across the plains between the principal settlement of the Nem and the principal City of Corianton.