The wounded pride
Translated by: izhar Ali from anonymous story and origin.
Long ago, in ancient times, there was a king fond of hunting and throwing lavish parties. One day, he went out hunting, but he got so absorbed in it that he lost track of time and crossed the boundary into a neighboring country. To his astonishment, the neighboring country's king was also hunting that day, and they met in a dense forest.
They greeted each other with all customs and conventions used by kings and queens, discussing the art of hunting and country affairs. "I'd like to invite you for lunch," said the first king, who had crossed the boundary. The second king asked his vizier about the free day in his schedule and selected a day with no important affairs to deal with.
The second king visited the first king and couldn't believe his eyes looking at the lavish party and food of every kind. They ate, and the first king proudly suggested to the second king, "Come, let me show you my kingdom and my subjects." They wandered around and saw some jolly young boys playing. "Come at once, everyone!" shouted the first king, and all his subjects stood in front of him in one row, bowing their heads to his Majesty. "Strip your bodies," commanded the king very proudly. They all stripped without hesitation, standing before him completely naked with heads held high in pride and obedience.
The king thought that he stood like a mountain of obedience and pride to the second king and looked at him with immense pleasure. They returned to the palace. The second king also invited him to lunch and took his departure. A few days later, the first king found himself in the country of the second king. The second king had thrown a lavish party with all kinds of tastes. They ate, and the second king took him out to show his country.
An old weak farmer was plowing the field, and the second king bade him to come. He came. "Take off your clothes and stand still before me," commanded the second king loudly. The serpentine old weak farmer with his face full of wrinkles couldn't believe his ears. "I said, take off your clothes and stand naked before me," shouted the king. The farmer immediately took out his sharp sword, blinking and reflecting the rays of the sun, and put it right on the neck of his king. "We made you king to protect our property, honor, and country's affairs wisely, not to wound our egos and prides. Even if by mistake something like this happens intentionally or unintentionally from your side, I'll cut you into two like any vegetable." The old farmer withdrew his sword, went crimson, and trembled with rage.
The king remained completely silent, unable to speak, and they all charged forward. After a few steps, the second king asked the first king, "Did you see my kingdom and subjects?" The first king uttered hastily, "What to see? Your old weak wrinkled farmer alone drew a sword on his king and threatened him. On the other hand, my young healthy boys strip immediately at my single command." The second king smiled and nodded, repeating the first king's words, "At my command, yes, at your command." "You are ruling on people who have no ego, no dignity, pride, honor, self-esteem, sense of right and wrong, no creativity, or power of reasoning. Such people have no purpose of existence, no aims, goals, or future planning," explained the second king as they charged toward his palace. The first king remained silent, thinking and thinking, with no words to say.
