The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

"But why, O my father," said the Prince - this time in a much more respectful voice, "why
should we think twice about punishing Narnia any more than about hanging an idle slave
or sending a worn-out horse to be made into dog'smeat? It is not the fourth size of one of
your least provinces. A thousand spears could conquer it in five weeks. It is an unseemly
blot on the skirts of your empire."
"Most undoubtedly," said the Tisroc. "These little barbarian countries that call themselves
free (which is as much as to say, idle, disordered, and unprofitable) are hateful to the
gods and to all persons of discernment."
"Then why have we suffered such a land as Narnia to remain thus long unsubdued?"
"Know, O enlightened Prince," said the Grand Vizier, "that until the year in which your
exalted father began his salutary and unending reign, the land of Narnia was covered with
ice and snow and was moreover ruled by a most powerful enchantress."
"This I know very well, O loquacious Vizier," answered the Prince. "But I know also that
the enchantress is dead. And the ice and snow have vanished, so that Narnia is now
wholesome, fruitful, and delicious."
"And this change, O most learned Prince, has doubtless been brought to pass by the
powerful incantations of those wicked persons who now call themselves kings and
queens of Narnia."
"I am rather of the opinion," said Rabadash, "that it has come about by the alteration of
the stars and the operation of natural causes."
"All this," said the Tisroc, "is a question for the disputations of learned men. I will never
believe that so great an alteration, and the killing of the old enchantress, were effected
without the aid of strong magic. And such things are to be expected in that land, which is
chiefly inhabited by demons in the shape of beasts that talk like men, and monsters that
are half man and half beast. It is commonly reported that the High King of Narnia (whom
may the gods utterly reject) is supported by a demon of hideous aspect and irresistible
maleficence who appears in the shape of a Lion. Therefore the attacking of Narnia is a
dark and doubtful enterprise, and I am determined not to put my hand out farther than I
can draw it back."
"How blessed is Calormen," said the Vizier, popping up his face again, "on whose ruler
the gods have been pleased to bestow prudence and circumspection! Yet as the irrefutable
and sapient Tisroc has said it is very grievous to be constrained to keep our hands off
such a dainty dish as Narnia. Gifted was that poet who said -" but at this point Ahoshta
noticed an impatient movement of the Prince's toe and became suddenly silent.
"It is very grievous," said the Tisroc in his deep, quiet voice. "Every morning the sun is
darkened in my eyes, and every night my sleep is the less refreshing, because I remember
that Narnia is still free."