amongst the crowd without fanfare, and fell at
The Teacher's feet.
60 "I bid you, Teacher of Our Most High God, enter into my humble
dwelling. For I am sure it is nothing, compared to the Palace in which
you dwell. But food and wine is prepared, and a pleasant bed."
61 "Your hospitality," answered The Teacher, "I accept with pride." So
several days he stayed in The King's Palace, and then left to journey
on. But before he left, he answered a question for The King. "Lord,"
asked The King, "what makes a good ruler?"
62 "A good ruler," answered The Teacher, "is one who thinks of his
people before himself, who does not worry if his palace is as glorious
as other kings, but worries if his army is strong enough to defend his
children, who does not care if he must wear a garment twenty times, as
long
as the poorest of his children has a warm cloak.
63 A good ruler is one who treats the ladies of his land with respect,
and never demands of any husband that he sends his wife to his chamber.
64 A good ruler is one who does not become fat while his people starve.
65 A ruler that does these things surely will see Paradise. A ruler who
does not, will surely find no rest."
66 "Such are words of wisdom," praised The King, "which shall keep in
my heart." The Teacher departed from him in good will.
67 Now, it was late spring, and summer was near at hand. But he sat his
feet to cross the desert northward. As they journeyed to catch a barge,
they happened by the dock and saw a fishing