A king who had no son to succeed him posted a notice, inviting young men to come along and apply for adoption. The two qualifications were: love of God and love of neighbour.
A poor peasant boy was tempted to apply, but felt unable to do so because of the rags he wore. He worked hard, earned some money, bought somehow clothes, and headed off to try his luck at being adopted into the king's family.
He was halfway there, however, when he met a poor beggar on the road who was shivering with the cold. The young man felt sorry for him and he exchanged clothes with him. There was hardly much point in going any further towards the king's palace at this stage, now that he was back in rags again. However, the young man felt that, having come this far, he might as well finish the journey.
He arrived at the palace, and despite the sneers and jibes of the courtiers, he was finally admitted into the presence of the king. Imagine his amazement to see that the king was the old beggar-man he had met on the road and he was actually wearing the good clothes the young man had given him. The king got down from his throne, embraced the young man and said, "Welcome My Son.'
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