‘You see now how God and my right-dealing have brought me back to my parents and my wife.’
When they heard that, they could hardly speak, so rejoiced were they. Then the king summoned the father and mother, and related what had happened to their son.
The servants quickly brought him fine new garments, and bathed and clothed him. Then for many days there was great rejoicings, not only in the palace, but also in all the city, and he was crowned as king. The minister was seized by the king’s order, and given up to the king’s son-in-law, that he might punish him after his own will. But the young king would not permit him to be put to death, but forgave him, on condition that he left the kingdom instantly.
A few days after, the old man who had saved the young king came, bringing with him his written promise. The young king took the paper, and reading it, said—
‘My old man, sit down. To-day I am king, but if I were a beggar I would fulfil my word, and acknowledge my signature. Therefore we will divide all that I have.’
So he took out the book and began to divide the cities.
‘This is for me—that is for you.’ So saying, he wrote all on a chart, till all were divided between them, from the greatest city to the poorest barrack.
The old man accepted his half, but immediately made a present of it again to the young king, saying—
‘Take it! I am not an old man, but an angel from God! I was sent by God to save thee, for the sake of thy good deeds. Now reign and be happy, and may thy prosperity last long.’
The angel disappeared; and the king reigned there in great happiness.