Download PDF: [S] Such a Generous King

It is reported that once a King had surrounded the palace of a certain King. This siege continued for many days. When the King realised that this was certainly dragging on for many days, he called a meeting with his special advisers and asked them for their opinion. He said, “We have been under siege for many days now. What is the opinion of you people? Should we surrender our weapons or should we attack our enemy late at night and whatever happens after that will happen.”

 

However, there was one wise adviser who said, “I have devised a plan which I believe would be able to spare us any further problems and I also believe that when we put this plan into operation, the enemy would also leave without harming us.”

 

When the King asked about the plan he replied, “It is my opinion that all the gold which we possess should be gathered. After this is done, you should advise the blacksmiths to melt all of this gold and from this gold, arrows heads should be made. At the same time, on the point of each arrow head, two lines should be engraved. When these are prepared, they should then be released using one bow.” Obviously with the intention that it would not hit someone and injure them.

 

Suddenly the opposing army was shocked to see shinning arrows coming in their direction. The opposing King also commanded that all of these arrows be collected and brought to him. When this was done, he ordered that the engraving in front of the arrow point be read out.

 

Everyone was surprised when they read the two lines. It read: “This is share of the oppressed King to you whom you have laid siege to. Such is his generosity that he has released arrows with gold points. The reason is that the injured can sell this gold and treat their injuries and those who die, can sell these arrow heads and pay for their burial expenses.”

 

It is said that when the opposing king heard these words, he immediately ordered that his army retreat from this place and spare the people of this city. He also mentioned to his army, “It is certainly not proper to besiege and kill such a generous king.” (Nawaadir)