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Once there was a king who had the funniest of jesters in his court. He became so fond of this clown that, one day, he called him to his room and handed him his personal gold-plated walking cane, telling him: "Be sure to keep this close to you until such time that you can find someone funnier than you"
Time went by, and the clown always treasured the king's gift. It made him marvellously happy to hold and admire that stick. The king's health started to fail, gradually at first, then deteriorating rapidy day by day. The clown did everything in his power, using a vast repertoire of tricks to try and get the king to smile a little. All to no avail.
"Why is it that you do not smile any more at my pranks, your highness ?", enquired the clown.
"My friend, I can't be bothered any more with your pranks. I know that soon I will be starting on a journey from which I will not return, and I am still unprepared for this voyage."
"But, your majesty ! Hadn't you any idea at all about this journey ?"
"I have known about it for quite a few years, but I was careless"
At this, the clown dropped his head down and slipped quietly out of the room. After a while he was back with the golden stick in his hands: "Take this your majesty, ...at last I have found someone funnier than me!"
How long will we keep running away from reality.........
Sr A Zammit
Mis-Skiet tal-Klawsura
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