The King of Madagao, embroiled in a dispute with the King of Bornegascar, sent a letter that stated: "Before proceeding further in this matter, I demand the recall of your Minister from my capital."
This impossible demand greatly enraged the King of Bornegascar. He replied with a fierce declaration: "I shall not recall my Minister. Moreover, if you do not immediately retract your demand, I shall withdraw him!"
The threat was so terrifying to the King of Madagao that, in his haste to comply, he tripped over his own feet, inadvertently breaking the Third Commandment.
The moral
Pride and stubbornness can lead to foolish decisions and unintended consequences.
Discussion questions
- What could the King of Madagao have done differently to avoid the situation?
- How does pride affect the decisions we make in our own lives?
- Can you think of a time when stubbornness led to a negative outcome for you or someone you know?
Advertisement
Read it in another language
Good night.
Tomorrow night: The Fox and the Crane
