I appoint my younger son over the kingdom because he has learned to love. This is how Dmitriy Leo’s parable ends.
The Parable “He Learned to Love”
In a distant land, there lived an extraordinary king. He loved his people deeply, and they also loved him because the king was kind to them and cared about their well-being. Among the people were envious individuals who disliked the king.
One day, they ambushed the king near the palace walls and mortally wounded him. A poisoned arrow pierced his back. The king’s two sons stood silently by their father’s bed and mourned. Then the king looked at his sons and said, “Do not grieve for me. My time is ending, and your time is beginning. Go and continue my work.”
The elder son replied, “Yes, Father, I will go and find those villains who did this to you and execute them. I promise you that I will attend to the affairs of the kingdom and continue your work.” But the younger son said, “Father, let me stay by your side during this time.” The king replied, “My son, do not worry about me; the courtiers will take care of me.”
After these words, the sons left the king’s bedroom. The elder son, as he had promised, found the villains and executed them in the central square that very day. Then he summoned the steward and the princes and immediately gave orders about what needed to be done and where. The younger son returned to his father, stayed by his bedside, and cared for all his needs. By the end of the day, the king’s condition had worsened, and he ordered all the princes and courtiers to be summoned.
The king drew up his will and announced his decision regarding the heir to the throne. This is what he said: “My younger son will rule in my place.” Everyone present then exchanged astonished glances. The chief princes approached the king and said, “Our lord, we know that you are kind and have always made the right decisions. Did we hear correctly that you will appoint your younger son over the kingdom? Your elder son is more experienced and will manage the affairs of the kingdom better.”
Then the king raised his voice and said to those present, “I want the one who will continue my work to sit on the throne. I appoint my younger son over the kingdom because he has learned to love. The elder son will be his adviser.” After these words, the king closed his eyes and passed into the next life.
Author: Dmitriy Leo
