47. The King's New Palace


A king had built the most splendid palace in the world, and he celebrated with a splendid feast.
The king then asked his quests, "What do you think of my new palace?"
Everyone praised the king's great achievement, but then a lone sage spoke forth. "Were it not for one flaw, O King, this palace could be a paradise on earth!"
"What flaw?" shouted the king in anger. "I see no flaw!"
"I'm referring to the door through which Azrael, the Angel of Death, will enter," replied the sage. "With all your wealth and power, you cannot close that door."



Inspired by: The Conference of the Birds by Farid Ud-Din Attar, translated by S. C. Nott
Notes: This is in section 24: A Sage's Jest Concerning a Palace.



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