Midwinter Town: A Novella
“You have a nimble mind, but inclining rather to disgrace. You wish to bring the Balirs to your side in their cups, so they may befriend you in case they win.”
“Even if that were true, having been a martyr to the Talmir, I do not wish to become one to the Balirs; and there is nothing wonderful in that, for two mushrooms would spoil the best soup. And as to disgrace, I ask no one to drink it with me,--I drink it alone; and God grant that it taste no worse than this mead. Merit, like oil, must come to the top.”
At that moment Kazuma returned. “The men have started already,” said he.