A Wish Granted
A humble woodsman lived with his wife in a clearing in the forest near the king's castle. Every day the woodsman wished he was a king living in the castle. One day the king paid a visit to the woodsman's cottage with a proposal. The king's physician had ordered him to take a complete rest from his duties and he needed someone to rule over the kingdom while he rested. He asked the woodsman if he would sit in as the king's prefect. The woodsman was overjoyed. He and his wife packed and left immediately for the castle leaving the king to rest in the cottage.
That very day the woodsman took the throne and began to rule the kingdom. Right away two men came arguing about a lot of land each desired. Who should get the land? Next a wandering knight called to ask if he could stay at the castle for a time. Would that be all right? Then the king's cook came to complain that he needed meat for the upcoming feast. Where would they get the meat? No sooner had the cook left when the sergeant of the guard brought in one of his men for punishment. What punishment should be levied? At the same time, the sheriff brought in a thief caught stealing a neighbor's chicken. What should his punishment be? Then the king's clerk came to request more funds to repair the castle's roof. How much could he have? Finally the queen's maid came and informed the woodsman that several bolts of cloth were needed to complete the gown the queen was having made for herself. Could she have more money?
The bewildered woodsman put his hands to his head and shook his head slowly from side to side. The king's role had looked very appealing until the woodsman realized how much responsibility it is to rule a kingdom. Many other burdens were put on him before he finally left the castle. After just two days he returned to his cottage and begged the king to reassume the throne. The king smiled and mounted his horse to return to the castle. Never before had the woodsman so appreciated his humble setting and simple tasks. Never again would he wish to be a grand and powerful king.
Moral: It pays to be content with your lot.
No comments:
Post a Comment