The King and His Brother
Once upon a time, in a magnificent kingdom where cool waters flowed, there lived a proud ruler and his humble brother. While the king lived in pleasure in his golden palace, his brother had chosen to lead a modest life among the people. One lived with his eyes dazzled by worldly riches, while the other ran after wisdom and justice. The laughter that echoed behind the high walls of the palace reflected the joy of the proud king, who closed his eyes to the troubles of the people. The younger brother, however, bound the wounds of the poor in the dark streets of the city and gathered their prayers. One day the king held a great feast and invited his brother too to this splendid table.
The tables had been laid with rare fruits and delicious dishes, and the musicians had begun to play the merriest tunes. But the humble brother preferred to stay silent with a deep sorrow in the middle of this magnificent setting. Seeing his brother frown, the king grew furious, silenced the musicians and rose to his feet in wrath. "While you are amid so much wealth and splendour, why does your face not smile, why do you not share our joy?" he shouted. His brother rose calmly from his place and showed the king the very thin thread that hung from the ceiling of the palace. At the end of the thread, swinging right above the throne, there hung a sharp and heavy sword.
"O my great king, how can you make merry at ease without seeing this danger above your head?" he asked. When the king looked up, he started with terror and realised that the thread could snap at any moment. The wise brother reminded him that property and kingdom too are temporary, just like that sword hanging by a cotton thread. "A kingdom that is not ruled with justice is like a palace doomed to collapse at any moment," he said slowly and clearly. The king, bowing his head in shame, felt that his eyes, blinded by arrogance, had opened at last. From that day on, grasping the responsibility that the crown brings, he began to rule his people with justice and mercy. True greatness lies not on splendid thrones, but in humble hearts that beat with justice. The tree that bears fruit always bows its head down.