The King’s Test of Patience

• The King’s Test of Patience
• BY:Ubaid

In the heart of Baghdad, during the reign of the Barmakid dynasty, stood a magnificent palace. The ruler who lived there was known across the lands for his generosity. People often said that no beggar had ever returned empty-handed from his court. His fame as a just and compassionate king spread far and wide.

One scorching afternoon, a frail beggar arrived at the grand gates of this splendid palace. His clothes were torn, his face pale, and his body weak from days without food. He leaned on his stick, barely able to take another step. Looking at the towering entrance, his eyes wandered over the shining doors and tall guards standing with pride.

“Have mercy on me,” the beggar pleaded with the guards, his voice trembling. “I haven’t eaten for days. I am so weak that I can hardly move forward. Surely the owner of this grand palace must be a man of immense wealth. Please, tell me his name.”

The guard studied him for a moment and replied, “Stranger, you do not know? This is the palace of the Barmakid king, the most intelligent, wealthy, and noble ruler in all of Baghdad.”

The beggar’s eyes lit up. “Yes, I have heard of him,” he said with hope. “They say he is a true friend of the poor. Guard, please, give me a silver coin so I may buy a loaf of bread. Hunger is consuming me.”

The guard shook his head gently. “If you are hungry, why not go inside? My master welcomes the poor. He will not refuse you.”

With gratitude, the beggar shuffled past the gate into the palace. Inside, on a grand throne, sat the king himself, robed in fine garments, his presence dignified yet warm. He noticed the beggar instantly.

“Do not fear,” the king called with a smile. “Come closer, for you are welcome here. Tell me, what brings you before me?”

The beggar bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty, I am a poor man. I beg your help. I have not eaten since morning. Hunger torments me.”

The king listened carefully, then clapped his hands. “Is anyone there? Bring a basin and water for us to wash before the meal!” he commanded.

The beggar turned, expecting to see servants rush in. But no one came. No basin, no water, no servants. The king, however, pretended as though a servant had arrived, washed his hands in the air, and looked satisfied.

“My honored guest,” the king said, “please, wash your hands as well.”

Confused, the beggar hesitated. But not wishing to offend, he imitated the king and pretended to wash.

Moments later, the king clapped again. “Bring food for my guest and me! Do not delay!”

Still, no one appeared. Yet the king acted as if an enormous feast had been laid before them. He moved his lips and hands, chewing and swallowing invisible food.

“Come, eat!” the king insisted warmly. “Why are you not eating? You said you were hungry. Take some of this delicious bread. Ah, and these kebabs! Have you ever tasted such tender meat? And don’t miss the sweet rice pudding. The flavor is divine!”

The beggar, though his stomach growled with emptiness, forced himself to pretend. He moved his jaw until his gums ached, mimicking the act of eating. The king continued describing dish after dish—fragrant biryani, spiced koftas, golden dates, and juicy pomegranates—praising their flavors as though the table were truly full.

The beggar tried to keep up, nodding and even feigning delight, though not a morsel passed his lips. His hunger grew sharper with each mention of food. Yet he remained patient, silently enduring the strange charade.

At last, after much imaginary dining, the beggar stepped back and bowed. “Your Majesty, thank you. My stomach is full. I cannot eat another bite.”

Hearing this, the king burst into hearty laughter. His laughter echoed through the vast hall until even the beggar smiled shyly.

“Ah!” the king exclaimed. “For so long, I have searched for a man like you. One with patience, restraint, and dignity—even in the face of hunger. Most men grow restless when starving, but you endured, and you even played along. You have proven yourself a noble soul.”

The king descended from his throne, placed a gentle hand on the beggar’s shoulder, and said softly, “From this day forward, you are my friend. No longer will you suffer hunger. You shall live here in my palace.”

He clapped once more, and this time real servants appeared. They bathed the beggar, dressed him in fine robes, and led him to a lavish banquet. At last, before him lay real dishes—steaming bread, roasted lamb, fragrant rice, sweet fruits, and cool sherbets.

The beggar sat beside the king, his heart overwhelmed. They laughed together, not over imaginary food, but over the strange and wondrous path that had brought them there.

And so, a starving man gained not only a feast but also the friendship of a king—a friendship born out of patience, endurance, and faith.