In ancient times in Italy it was like this: every city is a kingdom, and every kingdom is a king.
In one such city, an old king died and his son put on his crown. First of all, the young king decided to inspect his possessions.
Accompanied by the first minister and chief adviser, he rode around his state on a white horse, fortunately it was small. He left at noon and returned to the castle when the sun had not yet set.
The young king sat on the throne and asked:
– Have we examined everything?
“No, not everything,” answered the first minister and chief adviser. “Your Royal Majesty also has a royal dungeon, and in it there are royal prisoners.”
“I definitely have to examine her now!” – exclaimed the king, jumping up from his throne.
“But it’s already dark,” objected the first minister.
“Nonsense,” replied the king, “if this is a real dungeon, then it is dark in it even during the day.” Order the servants to light the torches and lead me.
Rattling, emaciated prisoners lined up in front of the king, rattling their chains.
-What are you convicted of? – the king asked the first.
- Oh, Your Royal Majesty, I am not guilty of anything. I was grabbed on the street and thrown into prison.
-What crime did you commit? – the king asked the second.
“Nothing,” answered the prisoner, shedding tears. “I was captured while I was having a peaceful dinner with my family and thrown into prison.
- Well, what about you? – the king asked the third.
- Heaven sees that I was imprisoned in vain. I was taken out of bed in the middle of the night and thrown into prison.
The king asked the fourth, fifth, tenth, and they all swore that they did not know any guilt.
Finally, the king approached the last prisoner with the same question.
“Your Royal Majesty,” he said, “I have committed many crimes.” I stole, robbed and killed.
- Oh, scoundrel! - the king shouted. “How dare you be among good, honest people.” I will not allow you to corrupt my royal prisoners. Get out of the dungeon!
And the king ordered the chains to be taken off him and thrown out.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru