A peasant boy lived on the edge of beautiful kingdom. He lived in a small cottage and tended sheep for a nearby nobleman.
On a certain day at the beginning of spring, a declaration was made throughout the whole kingdom. The king was having a grand buffet in honor of his birthday. The invitation included everyone: old, young, rich, and poor. The king agreed to give audience to any who wanted to come before him. Late into the night, the boy stared at the stars imagining what it would be like to present the perfect gift to the king.
The nobleman overheard the boy talking to the sheep about what he could give to the king.
“My poor boy!” he laughed, “what could you possibly have to offer the king that he doesn’t already own?” The nobleman walked away laughing so hard his face turned red and tears rolled down his plump cheeks.
“The nobleman is right,” he told the sheep, “What can I give to the king that is not already his?” He hung his head and cried.
The day of the banquet arrived, and the nobleman’s house buzzed with activity. The nobleman loaded his wagon with fine wool fabrics and dressed mutton in order to give to the king. The peasant boy watched from the distance. Suddenly, he knew what to do. He would give the king the only thing he truly owned. He snuck into the kitchen unnoticed, and found a pail of water. He washed his face and hands. His excitement grew with every passing minute. He waited until the wagon was loaded, then slid under the tarp. Hidden among the goods, he kept very still until the party reached the palace.
The palace grounds blazed under the light of a hundred torches. Strolling musicians filled the air mingling music with laughter. A ribbon of finely dressed people flowed from the entrance of the palace. The peasant boy nimbly made his way to the end of the line and waited.
A beautifully dressed woman spied him and laughed as she pointed his way. Unashamed, he politely nodded to his mockers.
Finally, he walked before the king and knelt down on shaky knees.
The stately hall filled with laughter at the sight of this peasant boy in tattered clothes and no shoes. The king raised his hand for silence. The boy looked up. The king motioned for him to stand.
“Go, ahead, boy. What say you?” he said.
His voice shook as he began to speak,
“The nobleman told me I had nothing to give that you do not already own. Then I saw the wool and mutton. If the sheep already belong to you, don’t these things as well?”
The king smiled and nodded in agreement. Murmurs swept through the crowd of onlookers.
The boy stood tall, and then placed both hands over his heart.
“Sir, I give you all that is truly mine. I give you my heart.”
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