A Humiliated King: A Parable

A resplendent king was once invited to a feast by a humble man. Knowing that it is good for a king to be seen among the people, he decided to make an appearance at the feast. When he arrived at this small house, he walked in to see the table already set although the food had not been served yet. He walked to the head of the table, intending to sit at a place of honor.

After the king sat down, the host, wearing simple clothes, greeted the king with a smile and a bow. “Good evening, my friend. I hate to impose, but this is a seat of honor,” he said, gesturing at the place at the table.

The king looked confused and slightly offended at the suggestion he was not meant to be in the place of honor. The host, taking note of this look, was not dissuaded. “In fact, my friend, this seat is meant for someone else, but you are free to choose any other seat at the table.”

Looking at the table, the king noticed that the table was already full, except at the opposite end: a seat none desired. Despite the authority the king carried, he shuddered under the kindness of his host and conceded to his request, moving quietly and shamefully to the other end of the table.

Thanking him, the host sat next to him, waving in a person who had come late: a woman who had appeared to live a difficult life. Her clothes were tattered, and she smelled of a mixture of foul things. She walked in confidently and sat at the head of the table, like she belonged and knew this was where she meant to be. It was clear this was not the first feast she was invited to, and she knew exactly what seat was meant for her.

The king scoffed and stared incredulously at the woman and then at the host.

The host simply smiled, pouring a glass of water for the king.