The Princess and Her Two Gifts
October 23, 2009 If we associate with and learn from people of great virtue,
we will benefit greatly. Day by day,
our own virtues will grow and our faults will lessen.
If we do not associate with and learn from these people,
we will suffer a great loss.
We will attract people without virtue,
and nothing we do will succeed.
Princess Christine began the day as she always did. She stretched, got out of bed, and called her maid. After the maid helped her dress, the princess went to the dining hall where she greeted her father, King Alfred.
The king and the princess were served breakfast by Willis, their new butler. Willis also told them all the latest news. The king was delighted with this because his new butler updated him more than the royal advisors did! Willis told them that two strangers were on their way to the castle. The princess asked if one was a tall, handsome prince. Willis replied no. King Alfred asked if one was a rich taxpayer, but he too was told no.
Willis reassured the two disappointed royals that it would still be an important day. When the king asked why, Willis explained, “Sire, each visitor is bringing a gift for the princess. May I make a suggestion to her highness?”
As the king nodded, Willis turned and said, “Princess, instead of greeting them as yourself, I suggest you do so as your maid. You can put on an old cloak.” He brought one in from the hallway and gave the cloak to her.
She put it on and asked excitedly, “Now what?
“Your visitors will arrive any moment. You will need to use wisdom. I am confident that you will know what to do.”
Then they heard loud knocking. Eagerly the princess ran to the door. She flung it open and saw an elderly, dignified man. “Sir, I am the princess’s maid. May I help you?”
“Child, I am a virtuous sage from far away. I have knowledge that will greatly benefit your mistress. Kindly tell her I am here.”
Before the princess could reply, she saw a carriage approaching. As it stopped, a groom jumped down and opened the door. A beautiful woman carrying a sparkling box stepped out and stood by the carriage. She announced, “Tell your mistress she has a very important visitor. In this box are secrets that will make her rich and powerful!”
Not sure who to talk to first, the princess turned to the sage. He who held out his arm as if to reassure her and softly said, “I bring goodness and truth for the princess.”
The princess looked again at the beautiful woman.
“I bring her wealth and power! All in this box.”
As if mesmerized by the box, the princess walked out the door. She continued past the virtuous sage. And away from his gift of goodness and truth. Her eyes were held by the magical box. She forgot that she was dressed as a maid and reached out to touch it.
The woman struck her. “Impudent girl! This is for the princess not her wretch of a servant!”
Instead of being angry, the princess felt as if she had just awakened from a trance. “How could I have been so blind,” she marveled, “as to think a selfish gift more valuable than a virtuous one? Thank goodness that I realized it in time.” With that, she threw off the cape. “I am Princess Christine. To me, your gift is worthless. I do not want it.”
When the woman cried out, the king came running, Willis at his side. They all watched as the woman turned into an old witch and the box into a snake, which coiled around her arm. Then suddenly both were gone.
The princess turned to the sage. “Sir, I am ashamed. I was greedy and foolish. Caught up by selfish thoughts, I turned away from virtue. I will never do so again. If by chance you still think me worthy of your gift of goodness and truth, I would be most honored by it.”
“Princess,” said the sage, “it takes wisdom to know that we have made a mistake and courage to admit it. The following few words—my gift to you—may appear to be simple. But they are beyond value. To become virtuous, we need to always be with those who are virtuous and learn from them.”
“Princess, my king is looking for a bride for his son. She must be humble and know the value of virtue. The prince has also been looking. He sent word that he believes he has found his bride. I now agree with him. Would you like to meet your prince?”
“Oh, yes please!” replied Princess Christine.
“Here he is. His name is Prince Willis.”
Reader Comments (3)
It is so true that our choice of companions can influence the kind of person we will become. But,what about the people who have poor options and must adapt to the environment they are forced to live in? I think it must be even more difficult to find goodness and truth. How do they find the right teaching? What do you advise?
Amituofo,
Cameo
Even in the ghettos of big and small Cities there is a place where good people come together. Church and 12 step-self help groups. Many of these people have good intentions.
Help your self first to be grounded in your faith; your inner world needs to be in balance. Outside of us is just a big distraction to lose our focus and get busy with other stuff. Oh like lets save the ..... fill in the blank.
I don't mean to rain on you just stay the course.
Amitoufou, Amitoufou, Amitoufou.