Monday, April 8, 2024

A Question of Succession

The king summoned his three sons to determine who was best suited to have the kingdom pass into his hands. First he asked the eldest, "What are the duties of a king?"
"Googagoo."
Second he asked the middle son, "What is the meaning of justice?"
"Ugaa!"
Third he asked the youngest, "How is peace best maintained?"
"Gagooga?"
Perceiving that none of his sons were worthy on account of being babies, he designated as his heir the man he thought most capable of ruling after him. His subjects rejoiced at his wisdom and the secure future they saw.
Moral: Hereditary rule is a terrible practice.
The heir increased his support with the people and within the palace until he felt secure in his influence. Then he murdered the king and took the throne. However, he misjudged, and the kingdom fell into years of ruinous strife.
Moral: Hereditary rule may have been dismissed too quickly back there.
At last a great man rose above the chaos and settled the land, afterwards ascending to the kingship. He ruled excellently, his son ably, and his grandson squandered the treasury and turned everyone against him.
Moral: No idea.
Finis

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