The Immortal Apple

The King was known for his generosity. In fact, the monarch was a little too generous, and virtually every day people who came to court with gifts for the king went away with gifts from the king many times the value of their own offering. Naturally, the generous spirit of the king attracted many unscrupulous people, who were always ready to grasp something for nothing.

One day, a man presented himself before the king, carrying a silver tray on which reposed a solitary apple. “Your Majesty,” the man said, “I have traveled from afar, and I bring you this fruit which contains the juice of eternal life. Eat this fruit, I beg of you, and you will live forever.”

The king leaned forward on his throne and was about to pick up the fruit when his jester, standing close by, quickly snatched the apple and took a large bite. “You villain,” the king shouted in rage. “You will most certainly die for such an outrageous act.”

“But Your Majesty,” the jester replied meekly, “If eating this fruit will make me immortal, how can you execute me?”

“I do not believe this man’s story,” the king said curtly. “So there is nothing to stop me from having you executed.”

The jester shook his head. “If, as you say, this man has lied to you, why should I die?” Then he added with a sly grin, “In any case, the measly apple was very sour.”

At this, the king’s anger turned into a hearty chuckle, and all his courtiers followed suit. The only one who didn’t smile was the man who had brought the apple.