Theme: Kindness

The chosen prince

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess. In addition of being beautiful, she was delicate and gentle. She was already a young woman and wanted to get married and have children, and thus form her family.

Her father, the king, loved her very much and wanted her to marry someone who would make her very happy. Therefore, he sent a messenger to all near and far kingdoms, informing them that he would grant his daughter's hand in marriage to the one who brought the best gift for her.

On the appointed date, three princes attended the castle.

The king ordered them to be very well welcome and hosted in the castle.

The next day, the king requested to call the first prince. The young man presented himself in expensive clothes, praised the palace's precious objects and confidently showed the huge trunk full of jewels and gold coins he was bringing to offer to the princess.

Then it was the second prince's turn. He wore formal attire, as if he were going to a party. He spoke loudly, with eloquence. He praised the decoration of the castle and showed the gift he had chosen for the princess, a huge trunk with many dresses, tiaras and beautiful shoes.

Finally, the third prince was called, who presented himself in elegant, but not extravagant clothes. He greeted the king and the princess and spoke with them kindly. He praised the princess, saying that her virtues were talked about in all kingdoms, but she was even more beautiful and adorable in person.

The king and princess liked him very much, but when the king asked about the gift for the princess, the young man replied:

- Your Majesty, unfortunately I have nothing with me now to offer the kind princess.

The king, thinking that he had disregarded his daughter, asked in disgust:

- And why don't you have anything to offer to my daughter? Do you think you deserve to marry her, with this contempt?

The prince then replied:

“Noble sovereign, allow me to explain what happened. I thought a lot about what I should bring as a gift to your daughter. Knowing the riches of your kingdom, I did not think that more gold or precious objects would be needed here. Hearing about the princess's good taste and elegance, I found it unnecessary to offer her personal accessories.

I thought about the expectation that the princess must be living, wondering where she will live after being married and what the kingdom of her future husband should be like. So I decided to bring a trunk full of the most delicious fruits in my region, as well as delicious bread, cheese and sweets, characteristic of our local cuisine. In addition, I also brought some embroidery and hand-embroidered fabrics by our gifted weavers, as a way to show the princess what she will find if we get married.

However, on the trip here, my entourage and I met people in many places on the road who were in great need, hungry wanderers, families with malnourished and cold children, weak, sick people. All sorts of needy. And the only resource with which I was able to relieve their sufferings a little was to donate the food and materials contained in the trunk to them.

I have already sent, even before the end of the trip, some of my servants to get in my kingdom the same treats that I brought to be presented to the noble princess. I recommended that they also bring enough supplies to assist the unfortunate ones on the way without having to remove the contents in the trunk. I believe that tomorrow they must arrive and I will then be able to have the honor of giving my humble offer to the princess.”

After the interview, the prince left and the king asked the princess:

- So, my daughter, did you like any of them?

- Yes Dad! The third prince! He cared about my well-being, was kind and showed a good heart in helping the needy.

- Good, daughter, I liked him too. If he cares more about the needs of others than about appearances, riches or gifts, it is because he has a virtuous heart and will make you happy. I approve your union, if that is your wish.

After a few months of engagement, the beautiful princess and prince were married. They went to live in the prince's kingdom, but often went to visit the king so that he and the princess would not miss each other so much. When the prince became king, he ruled his kingdom with great generosity.

The prince chosen by the princess was not the greediest or the vainest, but the one with a good heart. And they were both very happy.

Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com