A king's Last Joke and Other Stories For Kids
A King's Last Joke Once there lived a king by the name Yasalalaka Thissa in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. He had a gate-keeper whose name was Subha. The king and his gate-keeper were alike in appearance. King Yasalalaka Thissa was very fond of playing practical jokes on others. One morning, the king called Subha to his chamber before the courtiers came. The king told Subha, " Let's exchange our clothes. You wear my royal clothes and sit on the throne. I'll stand at the gate in your uniform." Subha could not refuse the king's suggestion. The king and the gate-keeper quickly exchanged their clothes before the courtiers came to report for duty. After exchanging the clothes, the king went to the gate for his duty while Subha went to council room and sat on the throne. The courtiers started coming in ones and twos. Just before they took their seats, they walked up to the king and paid him due respect as usual. Subha sat proudly on the ...