Royal Prisoners

In ancient times in Italy, it was like this: every city was a kingdom, and every kingdom had its king.

In one such city, the old king died, and his son took the crown. The first thing the young king decided to do was to inspect his domains.

Accompanied by his prime minister and chief advisor, he rode on a white horse through his small kingdom. He set out at noon and returned to the castle before the sun had set.

The young king sat on his throne and asked:

"Have we seen everything?"

"No, not everything," replied the prime minister and chief advisor. "Your royal majesty also has a royal dungeon, and in it, royal prisoners."

"I must inspect it immediately!" exclaimed the king, jumping up from the throne.

"But it's already dark," objected the prime minister.

"Nonsense," replied the king. "If it's a real dungeon, it's dark even during the day. Order the servants to light torches and lead the way."

Clanking their chains, ragged and emaciated prisoners lined up before the king.

"Why were you condemned?" the king asked the first one.

"Oh, your royal majesty, I am not guilty of anything. I was seized on the street and thrown into the dungeon."

"What crime did you commit?" the king asked the second.

"None," replied the prisoner, tears streaming down his face. "I was seized while peacefully dining with my family and thrown into the dungeon."

"And you?" the king asked the third.

"Heaven knows I am imprisoned for no reason. I was dragged from my bed in the middle of the night and thrown into the dungeon."

The king asked the fourth, the fifth, the tenth, and they all swore they were not guilty of any crime.

Finally, the king approached the last prisoner with the same question.

"Your royal majesty," said the prisoner, "I have committed many crimes. I have stolen, robbed, and killed."

"Ah, you scoundrel!" shouted the king. "How dare you stand among good, honest people? I will not allow you to corrupt my royal prisoners. Get out of the dungeon!"

And the king ordered his chains to be removed and for him to be thrown out.

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Royal Prisoners

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