Article October 6, 2003 Issue

The Greatest Gift—a woodland tale

By Joan and Rosie Taylor

Along time ago, in the woodland kingdom of Lyre, His Majesty King Zephir was very troubled. His reign was nearly over, but since he had no children, there was no one to inherit his throne. The king was a good man, concerned for the future of his people, and finally he settled upon a plan. He sent out a decree from the palace, asking anyone who felt they might be worthy of ruling Lyre to come to the north meadow on the first day of spring and offer a gift to the king. The person whose gift showed the most wisdom would be chosen to govern the land.

And so the first day of spring arrived, and a splendid day it was. King Zephir's throne was placed at the edge of the white birch glen, and in the meadow before him gathered all of his subjects. Even the woodland creatures, possum and raccoon, woodchuck and deer, clustered at the edge of the clearing, silent and curious—and waiting. Whose offering would reveal the one wise enough to rule Lyre?

The first to offer a gift was a wealthy merchant. He bowed to the king and unfurled a handsome piece of ivory cloth, which covered the entire meadow. With a nod to his servants, they raised the cloth—and quickly it became a grand tent. King Zephir leaned forward on his throne.

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