A King’s Painting
Once in a kingdom, there ruled a king with only one leg and one eye, yet his intellect and kindness endeared him to his subjects. The kingdom flourished under his wise rule, ensuring the happiness and well-being of its inhabitants. One day, as the king strolled through the palace, he pondered the legacy he would leave for his children, envisioning portraits of his ancestors adorning the hallway.
However, realizing he lacked a portrait of himself, the king, unsure of how his physical disabilities might be portrayed, summoned renowned painters from various kingdoms. He announced a reward for the artist who could create a beautiful portrait that would grace the palace walls.
Each painter hesitated, fearing the challenge of capturing the king’s beauty despite his physical limitations. Afraid of potential repercussions, they declined the task with polite excuses. Suddenly, a courageous painter stepped forward, promising a portrait that would delight the king.
Working diligently, the painter crafted a scene where the king, mounted on a horse, showcased his one good leg, skillfully aiming an arrow with his single eye closed. The court, including the king, marveled at the clever depiction that gracefully concealed the monarch’s disabilities. The king, pleased with the positive approach, rewarded the painter generously.
The moral of the story is to embrace a positive outlook, focusing on strengths rather than dwelling on weaknesses. By approaching challenges with optimism, one can navigate difficulties more effectively and find creative solutions.