The people in the palace were not much different from people today and some of them became very jealous of the good fortune of the man who had saved the King's life. Whenever they had a chance they whispered untrue stories about him to the King.
For a long time no one could change the King's mind about his faithful servant. But one day a report came to him that the man was unfaithful and not to be trusted. He had been seen, late at night when everything was quiet, going to a room in the far corner of the palace. He carried with him a bundle of what was thought to be stolen goods.
"Well, now," said the King, "I'd like to know what he is up to." You see he didn't lose his faith in the man, but he was curious and decided to see for himself.
That night he gathered the jealous courtiers around him and they all quietly followed the man through the halls to the farthest corner of the palace where he disappeared behind a door.
"Open the door!" the King called loudly in the silent night.
The door opened on a room in which nothing could be seen but a lumpy bundle on a broken-down bed and the humble servant.
"What does this mean?" demanded the King. "Why do you come here like a thief and what do you carry in that bundle?"
"O King!" the man replied, "You have blessed me with every gift and kindness, far more than I ever deserved. You have raised me from poverty and lowliness to greatness and honor. Knowing this and fearing that I may some time fail to appreciate your gifts and your love, I come here each night to pray to God that I shall always remain thankful for your goodness."
The man then opened the bundle and out tumbled some old rags. "These are the clothes I wore before your love and mercy lifted me up. I put them on each night and lie down on that old cot on which I used to sleep. In this way I hope to teach myself to remember that my gift to you can never repay yours to me. I am your humble and grateful servant, O King!"
(Based on a story contributed by the National Education Committee of Southern Rhodesia; ‘The Child’s Way’ magazine, no. 72, November-December 1961)
