"I have," answered the man, "--a beautiful girl."
"Well, then, this is my judgment. Let the son marry the daughter, if
both agree, and give them the treasure as a wedding portion."
Alexander listened with great interest. "You have judged wisely and
rightly," said he to the shah, "but in my own country we should have
done differently."
"What would you have done?"
"Well, we should have thrown both men into prison, and the treasure
would have been given to the king."
"And is that what you call justice?" asked the shah.
"We call it policy," said Alexander.
"Then let me ask you a question," said the shah. "Does the sun shine
in your country?"
"Surely."
"Does the rain fall there?"
"Oh, yes!"
"Is it possible! But are there any gentle, harmless animals in your
fields?"
"A great many."
"Then," said the shah, "it must be that the sun shines and the rain
falls for the sake of these poor beasts; for men so unjust do not
deserve such blessings."