THE WISDOM OF THE MADMAN New 2-17

In the town of the man called the Madman, there is a king who is ending his life because time is calling him to eternity. But the king wanted -before leaving, to have a gesture and to share a portion of his fortune in a very special way. And thus, he presented a goal and a challenge.

And announcements were placed in the town that said: " The request of our beloved King is to ask you to bring and show him the most valuable heart."

And the whole town got ready because there was an important promise, a treasure, a fortune. And they got together in the central square of town.

One of them brought a diamond carved in heart shape. Other, a heart of sterling, other in gold, other in ruby; innumerable precious stones carved in heart shapes.
Also, very fine wood as ebony and mahogany.

The king seemed to be very pleased and it was determined that a decision would be reached very soon about which was the most valuable heart and this surely would turn into thousand of millions of more pieces of gold and sterling that the King would have to give.

Finally, the townspeople seemed to have shown their most valuable objects. But there was one missing, the madman, simple and humble was bringing something between his hands. And he was asked to come in front of the king.

People was making fun of him: " What can this one bring, worth maybe a few cents? How does he dare? "

And when he was in front of the king, this said: " Open your hands and show what you have." He opened his hands and a white dove opened its wings and flew to the sky.

And the king asked: " Is this your treasure?"

Madman answered: " My treasure, the white heart of this dove that now is flying high and its heart is alive; and isn't a precious stone nor a man made jewel, but it more valuable than all the previously shown here.

I would like you to know that I have come out of respect and not because of the treasure. This white dove has a heart full of life and its name is Freedom."

Then, the king making a big effort, got up from the throne and said

" We all have been mad but this man has always been awaken, lucid in front of the truth. But I am not going to give him the treasure because it would be mean on my side, I will give him what he is entitled to."

And he added: " My people, I will soon leave." And then, he removed his crown, put it aside, he inclined in front of the man named the Madman and said

" My people, the king is dead but now you have a new king."