King Alfred and the Beggar

"King Alfred and the Beggar" is a historical tale by James Baldwin that illustrates themes of compassion, humility, and the inherent dignity of all individuals. Set in the time of King Alfred the Great, the story revolves around the encounter between the wise king and a beggar. Through their interaction, Baldwin explores the qualities of true leadership and the importance of understanding and empathy towards the less fortunate. The narrative weaves moral lessons with engaging storytelling, reflecting on the human condition and the values that define a just society.

• Short story

								
At one time the Danes drove King Alfred from his kingdom, and he had
to lie hidden for a long time on a little is-land in a river.

One day, all who were on the is-land, except the king and queen and
one servant, went out to fish. It was a very lonely place, and no one
could get to it except by a boat. About noon a ragged beggar came to
the king's door, and asked for food.

The king called the servant, and asked, "How much food have we in the
house?"

"My lord," said the servant, "we have only one loaf and a little
wine."

Then the king gave thanks to God, and said, "Give half of the loaf and
half of the wine to this poor man."

The servant did as he was bidden. The beggar thanked the king for his
kindness, and went on his way.

In the after-noon the men who had gone out to fish came back. They had
three boats full of fish, and they said, "We have caught more fish
to-day than in all the other days that we have been on this island."

The king was glad, and he and his people were more hopeful than they
had ever been before.

When night came, the king lay awake for a long time, and thought about
the things that had happened that day. At last he fancied that he saw
a great light like the sun; and in the midst of the light there stood
an old man with black hair, holding an open book in his hand.

It may all have been a dream, and yet to the king it seemed very real
indeed. He looked and wondered, but was not afraid.

"Who are you?" he asked of the old man.

"Alfred, my son, be brave," said the man; "for I am the one to whom
you gave this day the half of all the food that you had. Be strong and
joyful of heart, and listen to what I say. Rise up early in the
morning and blow your horn three times, so loudly that the Danes may
hear it. By nine o'clock, five hundred men will be around you ready to
be led into battle. Go forth bravely, and within seven days your
en-e-mies shall be beaten, and you shall go back to your kingdom to
reign in peace."

Then the light went out, and the man was seen no more.

In the morning the king arose early, and crossed over to the mainland.
Then he blew his horn three times very loudly; and when his friends
heard it they were glad, but the Danes were filled with fear.

At nine o'clock, five hundred of his bravest soldiers stood around him
ready for battle. He spoke, and told them what he had seen and heard
in his dream; and when he had fin-ished, they all cheered loudly, and
said that they would follow him and fight for him so long as they had
strength.

So they went out bravely to battle; and they beat the Danes, and drove
them back into their own place. And King Alfred ruled wisely and well
over all his people for the rest of his days.
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