True Wisdom
David Pyle 8/18/21
A ruthless queen subdued and conquered a nearby small kingdom, adding it to her conquests. In the process of time, she decided to hold a contest to learn who was the wisest in this new kingdom.
She proclaimed a contest and formed a riddle. Anyone capable of solving the riddle would be granted their own piece of land to farm and live on, free of any burdens. It was an enormous prize considering she had claimed all the surrounding lands for her possession and all that was produced now belonged to her.
In the process of time, two wise men, Arnius and Carius were long rivals of each other and decided to answer the riddle and claim the prize. Arnius, the younger, was as wise as his opponent Carius, but Arnius was more cunning in his wisdom. Both instantly knew the answer to the Queen’s riddle, but Arnius knew winning the prize and gaining glory over Carius would settle all disagreements.
Carius, the elder, was more humble over his wisdom, never using his wisdom to lord over anyone, thus giving away his knowledge to those in need had earned him his meager livelihood.
Thus, Carius sensed that something was wrong with the Queen’s contest and tried to warn Arnius not to enter.
Arnius immediately saw this as a trick and hurried to scribe an eloquent letter to the Queen, answering her riddle, and adding several of his previous accolades and achievements in the mix.
The day of proclamation came and the Queen in her wisdom had Arnius brought to her court at noon that day. Arnius was pleased that he had been chosen above all, looking forward to his prize and likely appointment in the new kingdom.
The Queen, in her chamber, her counselors standing at her side, read her riddle, then after much pomp and circumstance, read the letter from Arnius. Then she stood and lifted her golden staff, preparing to speak.
“Take this wise man to the main courtyard for all citizens to see. Have him tied to my best white steeds and rend him limb from limb that all may know that I am Queen and the wisest of my entire kingdom.”
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