Grandpa’s Return, An Underfable

          Grandpa’s Return

          Once upon a time, a young Prince, upon being crowned King, said “My dear father was a slave. I demand freedom!”

          So his reign was a time of upheaval. He sallied out into the world, with the help of his knights and priests, to right wrongs and avenge injustice. He battled giants and dragons, he slew monsters and brigands, he built schools and arsenals, he fought witches and neighboring kings. His kingdom acquired great riches, and he suffered three great wounds.

          When he died, his son succeeded him. The young Prince, upon begin crowned King, said, “My dear father went through hell. All I want is peace.”

          So his reign was a time of retreat. He invited the world into his palace, to write treaties and make deals, with the help of his scholars and bankers. He supported poets and astronomers, he paid for plays and highways, he built libraries and hospitals, he gave charity to the poor and bribery to the rich. His treasury soon emptied out, so he mortgaged his palace three times.

          When he died, his son succeeded him. The young Prince, upon being crowned King, said, “My dear father was a slave. I demand freedom!”

          Moral: What’s old is new again.