The Turtle
The Emperor of China sent ambassadors to a hermit living in the northern mountains. They were to invite him to become Prime Minister of the Kingdom. After many days of travel the ambassadors arrived. The hermitage was empty! But nearby in the middle of a river was a half-naked man, seated on a rock, fishing with a line. Could this be the man the Emperor thought so highly of? Enquires at the village proved it was. So they returned to the river bank and, as respectfully as they could, attempted to attract the fisherman’s attention. The hermit waded through the river and stood before the messengers barefoot, arms akimbo. “What is it you want?” “Honoured sir. His Majesty the Emperor of China, having heard of your wisdom and your holiness has sent us with these gifts. He invites you to accept the post of Prime Minister of the Realm.” “Prime Minister of the Realm?” “Yes, respected Sir.” “Me?” “Yes, respected sir.” “Is His Majesty out of his mind...