It happened, once upon a time, that on a stormy night a group of travellers arrived before the palace of a great King.  As the King was very generous and compassionate, he had given orders that such visitors must be warmly welcomed.  Therefore one of his servants took this group in hand, to minister to their needs.

It was obvious that they had travelled a long way; they were weary and travel-stained, soaked and chilled from the rain, foot sore, thin and ragged.  The servant of the King asked, “Why have you come?”  To this each one replied, “I have come to see the King!” “Very well,’ said the servant, `”come with me.”

The servant installed each of the travellers in a room, provided them with warm water for washing, a fine robe, and a comfortable bed.  He also sent to each room a tray of delicious food and wine, borne by a handsome maiden.

Then the servant went to make his report to the King.  “Sovereign Majesty,” he said, “travellers have come.”

“What is their purpose?” asked the King.

“They say they have come to see you, sire.”

“Go and see if it is true.”

The servant returned to the rooms where he had left the travellers, and looked in on each one.  Some, exhausted by their long journey, had fallen into their comfortable beds and were snoring vigorously, one or two of them still in their traveller’s rags.  Others were wearing the fine robes and feasting enthusiastically in the company of the handsome maiden, regardless of the food that stained their sleeves.  Others were busy with the wine;  one, seeing the servant, raised his cup unsteadily and said, “Long live the King!”

In one room, though, there was a traveller who gave a different appearance.  He had washed carefully and put on the robe, and now sat quietly in a chair, the tray of food and wine untouched.  When the servant peeked in the door, this traveller at once stood up, looking hopeful.

The servant returned to the King and recounted what he had seen.

“That one has come to see me,” said the King.  “Bring him to me at once.”