Ios and the King

Contents Introduction

1

1 The Shepherd’s Gift

5

2 Castle Jealousies

11

3 The Bitter and the Sweet

19

4 A Scattering of Jewels

23

5 Trouble in the Garden of Life and Beauty 27 Discussion Questions

35

Sources

43

Sources of Quotations

44

3 The Bitter and the Sweet Seek ye divine happiness through the hardships and sorrows of this physical world . . .

Distill sugar and honey from the bitter poison of suffering.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Ios went on tending the king’s treasure and at times traveled to take care of the king’s business elsewhere. He was away on one such trip during melon season – the time when the king gave a great feast to thank those in his court for their service. The great banquet hall was gaily decorated and the table spread with fine foods, among them, of course, many types of sweet, juicy melons.

There was one watermelon which the king set aside, and his guests couldn’t help but 19

notice it, for it looked especially juicy and red.

‘Just watch – he’ll give that melon to his favorite, Ios,’ whispered the tailor to the maid.

The maid turned to tell the doorman, and on the message went. Even though Ios had proved innocent, the king’s other servants were still jealous of him.

Ios returned to the castle in time to join in the last of the feast. Just as everyone thought, it was then that the king cut the best-looking melon and gave a slice to Ios. ‘My faithful Ios, I have saved this fine melon just for you,’ said the king.

The others at the table looked at one another, pressing their lips together in disapproval.

How they wished the king had fed them the best melon from his own hand!

Ios ate eagerly, smiling with pleasure. Glad to see Ios enjoying it so, the king gave him slice after slice.

Finally, there was just one slice left.

20

‘You’ve enjoyed the fruit so much, Ios, that I think I will try this last piece.’

The king bit into the melon and immediately threw it down.

‘Why, this is more bitter than a spoiled lemon! How could you eat it, Ios? Wasn’t it bitter to you?’

‘Yes, it was very bitter,’ Ios replied, ‘though it appeared sweet. But you have given me so much that is sweet and pleasant, how could I turn down a little bitterness? The bitterness turned sweet because you gave it to me.’

21

End of this sample.

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