There once was a monarch of a certain realm who kept ten ferocious hounds. He employed these beasts to punish and devour any servant who displeased him.
On one occasion, a servant erred in his judgement, and the King flew into a rage. He commanded that the man be cast to the dogs. The servant pleaded, “Your Majesty, I have served you faithfully for ten years. Grant me but ten days before you consign me to this fate.” The King consented.
For the next ten days, the servant approached the keeper of the hounds and requested permission to tend to them. Though perplexed, the keeper agreed. The servant then set about feeding the dogs, cleansing them, and attending to their every need with diligence and care.
On the tenth day, the King ordered the servant’s execution. He was thrown into the enclosure, yet to the astonishment of all, the dogs gathered about him and licked his feet instead of tearing him apart.
The King, confounded, demanded, “What has become of my hounds?” The servant replied, “Your Majesty, I tended to these dogs for a mere ten days, and they remembered my kindness. I served you for ten years, yet you cast all aside at my first misstep.”
Struck by the truth of this, the King saw the error of his ways and ordered the servant released at once.
Moral: Loyalty is remembered by the humble. Ingratitude is the flaw of the powerful.